NO WRESTLING – Khabib Wants Khamzat to Do THIS Against Dricus Right From Round 1!

As Khamzat Chimaev gears up for the biggest fight of his career — a title bout against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 — he’s getting some strategic wisdom from one of MMA’s greatest minds: Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The undefeated legend and former UFC lightweight champion has long transitioned into a successful coaching and mentorship role, guiding elite talents like Islam Makhachev and Usman Nurmagomedov to dominance. Now, ‘The Eagle’ is turning his attention to ‘Borz’, offering crucial insight ahead of Chimaev’s highly anticipated middleweight title challenge on August 16.

Khabib Says: “Don’t Waste Your Gas Tank Early”

Speaking candidly about the matchup, Khabib emphasized the danger of Chimaev trying to wrestle too early. While Khamzat has earned a reputation as a relentless grappler who overwhelms opponents in the opening rounds, Khabib warned that such a strategy could backfire against a durable opponent like Du Plessis.

“You can force the action for a round or two,” Khabib explained, “but if you don’t finish him, you’ll burn a lot of energy. And then it gets into championship rounds. Right? And Khamzat hasn’t been in championship rounds.”

That’s a key concern. While Chimaev has dominated nearly every opponent he’s faced, he has yet to go beyond three rounds in a UFC fight. Meanwhile, Du Plessis has proven time and again that he thrives in late-fight chaos, showing unbreakable will and an ability to rally when others fade.

Khabib Encourages Striking – “Pure Boxing, Khamzat Is Better”

In a somewhat surprising take, Khabib argued that Chimaev should start the fight by striking — not wrestling.

“I would advise Khamzat to strike with him,” he said. “Just pure boxing – Khamzat is better. That’s my opinion.”

Khabib sees value in conserving energy and asserting control with clean, technical striking early on. He believes that Khamzat’s boxing, when used strategically, could create openings without draining his gas tank — especially if the bout drags into the fourth and fifth rounds.

This tactical shift could surprise Du Plessis, who likely expects the Chechen-born powerhouse to shoot early and often.

Khabib Breaks Down Du Plessis’ Unique Style

In his analysis, Khabib also outlined the key challenges posed by Du Plessis, the current UFC middleweight champion. Despite his unorthodox style and sometimes sloppy technique, Khabib warned that Du Plessis is a volume striker who never stops moving forward.

“He’s very tough, he’s going to scrap. He throws hands and legs — constantly,” Khabib said.
“He’s not super accurate, but he throws a lot. He doesn’t stand still.”

That kind of non-stop output and awkward rhythm makes Du Plessis hard to predict — and harder to control. Fighters often struggle to time counters or takedowns against him because of his erratic but aggressive approach.

“He’s the kind of fighter — if you don’t knock him out, he’ll fight until the end,” Khabib added. “He’s an interesting opponent.”

Chimaev’s Biggest Test Yet

For all of Chimaev’s dominance inside the Octagon, UFC 319 represents a new level of competition. Not only is Du Plessis the most experienced and resilient fighter he has ever faced, but the bout will also be Khamzat’s first five-round main event — and for a title, no less.

Chimaev has steamrolled past the likes of Kevin Holland, Li Jingliang, and Gilbert Burns, showcasing raw athleticism, explosive power, and terrifying ground control. But his cardio and composure over 25 minutes remain untested — something that could give Du Plessis an edge if the fight goes long.

That’s why Khabib’s advice is particularly poignant. The idea isn’t just about strategy — it’s about maturity and patience, two qualities that often separate great contenders from true champions.

“You Can’t Just Think: ‘I’ll Come In and Wreck Him’”

Khabib made it clear that Chimaev can’t rely on overwhelming brute force this time.

“You have to consider every possible scenario,” he said. “You can’t just think, ‘I’ll come in and wreck him.’ You have to look at: what if it goes like this? What if it goes that way? What if he ends up here?”

This more measured approach could be the missing piece for Chimaev as he steps into his first title bout. It’s no longer about quick finishes and viral dominance. Against a champion like Du Plessis, it’s about calculated violence, adaptation, and discipline.

Khabib, who dominated an entire division by being both ruthless and relentlessly strategic, seems to be passing that mindset on to Chimaev.

The Stakes Are Massive

A win at UFC 319 doesn’t just mean gold around Chimaev’s waist. It could mark the start of a new era in the UFC middleweight division — one ruled by a Dagestani-inspired killer with the aura of a superstar.

But first, he must get past the granite-chinned Du Plessis, who has made a career out of shattering predictions.

Khabib’s game plan — favoring sharp striking over early wrestling — might seem unconventional for a grappler of Chimaev’s caliber. But it’s also a sign of respect for the dangers Du Plessis brings and a testament to how much thought is going into this camp.

Whether Chimaev listens is another story.

Final Thoughts: Will ‘Borz’ Adapt or Charge Ahead?

Khamzat Chimaev has long been known for his “smesh-first, ask-questions-later” approach. But to beat someone as unpredictable and relentless as Du Plessis, he may need to evolve.

Khabib Nurmagomedov believes in Chimaev — but he also knows what it takes to win at the highest level. If ‘Borz’ can combine his natural explosiveness with Khabib’s measured advice, UFC 319 could mark the rise of a terrifying, well-rounded champion.

But if he rushes in with the intent to bulldoze early?

He may just find out why Dricus Du Plessis has become one of the most feared names in the UFC.