Du Plessis mocks Chimaev’s endurance: UFC 319 will be the place where ‘Borz’ collapses.

In the heat of the UFC 319 build-up, Dricus Du Plessis isn’t just sharpening his weapons—he’s sharpening his words. The reigning UFC Middleweight Champion is turning up the pressure ahead of his title defense by taking direct aim at his challenger’s biggest question mark: Khamzat Chimaev’s cardio.

With the fight just weeks away, Du Plessis has launched a bold psychological offensive, declaring that “UFC 319 will be the place where ‘Borz’ collapses.”

Du Plessis Fires First: “He Can’t Breathe in Deep Waters”

Speaking to media during a pre-fight press scrum, Du Plessis was scathing in his assessment of Chimaev’s endurance.

“We’ve all seen what happens when the fight goes past one round for Khamzat,” Du Plessis said. “He huffs, he puffs, and then he folds. The man is dangerous early, yes—but after that, he’s just a name with hype.”

“At UFC 319, he’s going to find out what it’s like to be dragged into deep water by someone who never gets tired. I’m going to drown him, and the world will finally see the truth about the so-called ‘Chechnya Wolf.’”

The South African champion was referencing Chimaev’s hard-fought three-round battle against Gilbert Burns, a war that exposed holes in Chimaev’s stamina and left fans wondering how he would fare in a five-round title fight.

Chimaev’s History of Fast Starts—and Fading Gas Tanks

Khamzat Chimaev has built his reputation on explosive first rounds, often overwhelming his opponents with takedowns and brutal ground-and-pound. From his iconic 10-day, two-win debut in 2020 to his rag-dolling of Li Jingliang and calculated domination of Kamaru Usman, “Borz” has mostly finished fights before exhaustion could even enter the picture.

But cracks have appeared.

Against Burns, Chimaev looked human. He swung wildly, took damage, and clearly slowed down by Round 3. Even in his decision win over Usman, who came in on short notice, there were signs that Khamzat’s pace wasn’t sustainable for five full rounds.

And Du Plessis has noticed.

“I’m not Burns. I’m not Usman on 10 days’ notice. I’m the guy who finishes strong in Round 5 like it’s Round 1,” Du Plessis added. “He’s never faced pressure like mine. When he feels it, he’ll break.”

Du Plessis’s Engine: Relentless, Chaotic, Effective

One of Du Plessis’s most praised attributes—besides his durability and toughness—is his seemingly bottomless gas tank.

Whether it was his high-paced domination of Robert Whittaker or his gritty five-round war with Sean Strickland, Du Plessis thrives in high-volume, high-pressure fights. He doesn’t slow down—he speeds up. His brawling, chaotic style forces opponents to match his energy, and most can’t keep up.

“I don’t need to be perfect. I just need to keep coming,” Du Plessis said. “He’s used to fights being over in a flash. I’m going to drag him through hell, round by round.”

Mind Games or Strategic Truth?

Is Du Plessis simply playing mind games with Chimaev? Or is he exposing a genuine strategic weakness that will be the key to retaining his title?

MMA analysts are already buzzing about this potential narrative. Former UFC champ and commentator Michael Bisping recently said:

“Du Plessis has a real shot if he can survive that early storm. Khamzat’s cardio isn’t bulletproof, and Dricus just doesn’t stop coming. If this gets to Round 4, I’d put my money on the South African.”

It’s a sentiment shared by many in the fight game. Du Plessis’s unorthodox style, stamina, and mental toughness are seen as the perfect ingredients for exposing Chimaev—if he can weather the initial onslaught.

Chimaev’s Response: “I’ll Finish Him Before He Can Breathe”

As expected, Chimaev didn’t take kindly to Du Plessis’s comments.

“Let him talk. When the cage closes, I will smash him. He thinks I’m tired? He will be sleeping in Round 1,” Chimaev told reporters.

The Chechen-Swedish destroyer is reportedly training harder than ever at Allstars Gym in Stockholm, with his coaches emphasizing long sparring sessions and high-altitude conditioning.

But will it be enough?

The Stakes: Legacy, Belt, and Supremacy

This isn’t just a title fight—it’s a defining clash of styles, mindsets, and narratives.

• Du Plessis: The unorthodox, high-pressure champion with an iron jaw and limitless cardio.

• Chimaev: The brutal, explosive phenom with a growing legend—but questions about his gas tank.

For Du Plessis, UFC 319 is the opportunity to silence doubters and legitimize his reign by beating the most feared rising contender in the division.

For Chimaev, it’s a chance to fulfill the prophecy many fans have had since his debut—a UFC title around his waist.

Can the Wolf Keep Running?

If Du Plessis is right, and Chimaev’s engine sputters past Round 2, we may witness a brutal reversal. The man who’s chased others out of the Octagon could find himself being hunted.

But if Chimaev’s conditioning holds up, and if he has evolved past those earlier struggles, Du Plessis may be in for the most savage first round of his career.

Either way, UFC 319 is primed to explode.

And if Du Plessis has his way—the Wolf will collapse before the world.