Threat from Dricus Du Plessis: Khamzat Chimaev Will Have a ‘Tough’ Night at UFC 319

The UFC middleweight division is about to witness one of its most highly anticipated clashes as Khamzat Chimaev prepares to take on the reigning champion, Dricus du Plessis, at UFC 319. The bout, which has already generated a storm of excitement in the MMA community, promises to be an all-out war between two of the most dangerous men in the sport.

With more than two months to go, both fighters have already begun their intense fight camps. Chimaev, known for his relentless wrestling and explosive power, is sharpening his tools under the guidance of legendary wrestling coach Salim Nutsalkhanov, while du Plessis, confident and unshaken, has warned that he plans to give the undefeated Chechen star his toughest night yet.

Let’s dive deep into this blockbuster showdown and examine what makes Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus du Plessis a middleweight title fight for the ages.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Savage Gunning for UFC Gold

Khamzat Chimaev, 30, has stormed through the UFC ranks with a level of dominance that few have ever matched. Born in Chechnya and representing Sweden, Chimaev boasts an undefeated professional MMA record and has built a reputation as a fearsome finisher with elite wrestling, knockout power, and a killer mindset.

Since debuting in the UFC in 2020, Chimaev has delivered one highlight-reel finish after another, defeating fighters like Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, and Gilbert Burns in stunning fashion. His ability to switch between crushing ground-and-pound and powerful striking makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division.

But now, with UFC 319 fast approaching, Chimaev is getting ready for his biggest test yet—the middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis.

Training With a Wrestling Legend: Salim Nutsalkhanov Joins Chimaev’s Camp

In preparation for his first UFC title shot, Khamzat Chimaev has brought in Salim Nutsalkhanov, one of the most respected wrestling minds in the sport. Known for coaching Olympic legends, including three-time gold medalist Buvaisar Saitiev, Nutsalkhanov is widely considered a technical genius in the grappling arts.

Chimaev shared clips of his training sessions with Nutsalkhanov on social media, showing that he is leaving no stone unturned ahead of his showdown with Dricus du Plessis. This move demonstrates his commitment to evolving, even as an already elite wrestler.

By training with Nutsalkhanov, Chimaev is aiming to tighten his grappling defense, refine his takedown setups, and ensure his ground game is airtight, especially since du Plessis is no stranger to grappling himself. With his world-class camp and an iron will, Chimaev looks more dangerous than ever.

Dricus du Plessis: Built Different, Ready for War

South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis is not just the UFC middleweight champion—he is a fighter who has defied the odds time and time again. With a unique blend of unorthodox striking, gritty resilience, and underrated grappling, du Plessis has shut down every doubter who questioned his legitimacy.

Since entering the UFC, du Plessis has defeated the likes of Derek Brunson, Robert Whittaker, and most recently, Sean Strickland, whom he beat in a hard-fought rematch at UFC 312 to claim the belt. With that win, du Plessis cemented his position at the top of the division.

But even before that victory, du Plessis had set his sights on Khamzat Chimaev, calling for the fight and making it clear he wanted to test himself against the undefeated phenom.

Du Plessis Fires Warning at Chimaev on Instagram

Never one to back down from a challenge, du Plessis recently shared a fiery message on Instagram, aimed directly at Chimaev.

“I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit or how strong. When you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first-time experience—and not a pleasant one. That’s a promise. Built different!! Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie [They don’t know what we know].”

With these words, du Plessis made it crystal clear: he is not intimidated by the Chimaev hype machine. In fact, he’s embracing the challenge and relishing the opportunity to humble the Chechen-Swedish juggernaut.

Stylistic Breakdown: Chimaev vs Du Plessis

This title fight offers a fascinating stylistic clash. Both men are aggressive, pressure-heavy fighters—but they bring very different tools to the octagon.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Keys to Victory:

• Wrestling Pressure: If Chimaev can chain wrestle and get du Plessis to the ground early, he can wear the champion out and dominate the fight from top position.

• Controlled Aggression: While Chimaev is known for starting fast, he’ll need to pace himself against a durable and crafty opponent like du Plessis.

• Fight IQ: Chimaev’s striking has improved, but he must avoid getting into extended brawls and focus on a technical, suffocating game plan.

Dricus du Plessis’ Keys to Victory:

• Unorthodox Offense: Du Plessis has an unpredictable style that throws off opponents’ rhythm. He needs to keep Chimaev guessing with dynamic movement and awkward angles.

• Cardio and Grit: Du Plessis has been through tough wars and proved his gas tank in five-round fights. If he can drag Chimaev into deep waters, the tide may turn in his favor.

• Takedown Defense: If du Plessis can stop the early takedowns and make Chimaev work, he can capitalize in the later rounds.

The Stakes at UFC 319: Legacy and Supremacy

This fight isn’t just about the UFC middleweight championship—it’s about legacy.

For Chimaev, winning this belt would fulfill the prophecy many fans and pundits predicted since his UFC debut: that he would become a champion and potentially even a multi-division titleholder. Victory at UFC 319 would be the beginning of his era.

For du Plessis, defending his title against a feared, undefeated contender would silence the last of his critics and elevate him to superstar status. He would prove that his unorthodox style is more than enough to conquer the best of the best.

What the Experts Are Saying

Fight analysts and former champions are already buzzing about the matchup:

• Daniel Cormier called it “the most dangerous test for both fighters yet.”

• Michael Bisping believes the winner could go on to become “the face of the middleweight division for years.”

• Chael Sonnen remarked that “Chimaev has never faced someone like du Plessis, and du Plessis has never dealt with this kind of pressure.”

Fans are equally divided, with many predicting a Chimaev domination, while others believe du Plessis will shock the world again.

The Road to UFC 319

As both men enter the final stages of their camps, the storylines are coming into focus:

• Chimaev’s decision to train with Salim Nutsalkhanov shows just how seriously he’s taking this opportunity.

• Du Plessis’ confidence and willingness to fight any contender at any time marks him as a champion who is unafraid and always evolving.

• The UFC middleweight division, once ruled by legends like Anderson Silva and Israel Adesanya, is now ready for a new king—and the throne is up for grabs.

Final Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 319?

Making a prediction for this fight is no easy task. Both fighters are undefeated in the UFC. Both possess the tools to win. But only one can leave the octagon with the belt.

If Chimaev can secure takedowns early and control the ground game, his dominance could overwhelm du Plessis. But if du Plessis can weather the storm and drag the fight into the championship rounds, his awkward style and championship grit might just lead to a late stoppage or decision win.