After Khamzat Loss, Rampage Says Dricus Du Plessis Must Rethink His Weight Class

The aftermath of UFC 319 has left the MMA world buzzing, as Dricus Du Plessis, the South African powerhouse and former UFC middleweight champion, suffered a tough loss at the hands of the relentless Khamzat Chimaev. The defeat has not only shaken up the middleweight division but also sparked debates about Du Plessis’ long-term future in the UFC. Among the voices weighing in is MMA legend Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who suggested that Du Plessis should consider moving down to welterweight. The remark has ignited conversation among fans and analysts alike, raising the question: would Du Plessis thrive at 170 pounds, or would it be a risky move that could backfire?

Du Plessis’ Struggles Against Khamzat

Heading into UFC 319, Dricus Du Plessis was seen as one of the toughest fighters in the middleweight division. Known for his unconventional striking style, powerful finishing ability, and incredible heart, he had already cemented his place as a top contender by dethroning Israel Adesanya in one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history. However, against Khamzat Chimaev, Du Plessis ran into a completely different type of challenge.

Khamzat, nicknamed the Chechen Wolf, brought his trademark intensity and smothering grappling pressure to the fight. From the opening round, Du Plessis struggled to find his rhythm as Khamzat relentlessly closed the distance, mixing striking with takedown attempts. While Du Plessis showed his toughness by surviving some dangerous positions, he was ultimately overwhelmed. The fight exposed some of his defensive vulnerabilities and raised doubts about whether he could handle elite-level grapplers in the middleweight division.

Rampage Jackson’s Advice

In a post-fight interview, Rampage Jackson, a former UFC light heavyweight champion and one of the sport’s most outspoken personalities, shared his perspective on Du Plessis’ future. Rampage argued that Du Plessis might be better suited at welterweight (170 lbs) rather than remaining at middleweight (185 lbs).

“Look, Du Plessis is tough, no doubt about it,” Rampage said. “But at middleweight, he’s running into these guys who are not only bigger but also stronger in the grappling. You look at Khamzat—he bullied him. If Dricus can make the cut to 170 safely, I think he could be a real problem for a lot of guys down there.”

Jackson’s advice comes from his experience in navigating weight classes during his own career. He emphasized that sometimes fighters are stuck in divisions where their natural size puts them at a disadvantage, and dropping down can unlock new opportunities.

The Case for Du Plessis at Welterweight

The suggestion isn’t without merit. At middleweight, Du Plessis has shown power and durability, but he often gives up size and strength to opponents who have a more natural build for the division. Against someone like Khamzat, the physical disparity was evident. By moving to welterweight, Du Plessis could carry his power and cardio into a division where he might not be outsized.

At 6’0” with a 76-inch reach, Du Plessis is not unusually large for a middleweight. Fighters like Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Jared Cannonier are taller and rangier, while grapplers like Khamzat Chimaev and Marvin Vettori boast greater strength in clinch and wrestling exchanges. At welterweight, however, Du Plessis would likely match up well physically against many of the top names. His aggressive striking and awkward movement could pose major challenges to fighters such as Colby Covington, Gilbert Burns, or even reigning champ Leon Edwards.

Potential Challenges of the Cut

However, the move is not without risks. Cutting down to 170 pounds would require Du Plessis to shed an additional 15 pounds beyond his current middleweight limit. While some fighters thrive after dropping weight classes, others see their performance suffer due to depleted energy levels and diminished durability.

Du Plessis is known for his high-pressure style and relentless cardio, attributes that could be compromised if the weight cut takes too much out of him. Moreover, at welterweight, the competition is stacked with fast, explosive fighters who excel in wrestling and striking. Names like Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad represent stylistic nightmares for almost anyone. Du Plessis would not necessarily find an easier path to a title shot.

Fan and Analyst Reactions

Rampage’s comments have quickly become a hot topic in the MMA community. Fans are divided, with some agreeing that Du Plessis could reinvent himself at welterweight, while others argue that his frame and fighting style are best suited for middleweight.

Some analysts have pointed out that Du Plessis’ strength and durability—two of his biggest weapons—might not carry down to 170. They argue that instead of changing weight classes, Du Plessis should focus on improving his wrestling defense and refining his technique to better deal with fighters like Khamzat. Others believe that Rampage has a point: moving down could provide a fresh start and potentially extend Du Plessis’ championship window.

What’s Next for Du Plessis?

The UFC now faces a critical decision regarding how to book Du Plessis’ next fight. If he stays at middleweight, matchups against fighters like Sean Strickland or Marvin Vettori could make sense as tests to see whether he can bounce back. If he chooses to move down to welterweight, the UFC could immediately throw him into the mix against a top-10 contender, creating a new storyline and breathing life into his career.

Ultimately, Du Plessis himself will have to decide whether he believes he can make the cut safely and whether the potential rewards outweigh the risks. He remains one of the most popular and marketable fighters on the UFC roster, with a loyal fan base in South Africa and beyond. Wherever he competes, he will continue to bring excitement and unpredictability to the Octagon.

Conclusion

Rampage Jackson’s suggestion that Dricus Du Plessis should move down to welterweight after his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 has sparked an intriguing debate in the MMA community. While the move could help Du Plessis avoid size disadvantages at middleweight, it also carries significant risks tied to weight cutting and the fierce competition at 170 pounds.

What is clear is that Du Plessis is at a crossroads in his career. Whether he stays at middleweight to work on his deficiencies or makes the bold leap down to welterweight, fans will be watching closely. One thing is certain: the South African warrior is not done yet, and his next move could define the next chapter of his UFC journey.