Bombshell At UFC 319: Dricus Du Plessis Will Be Done Once Khamzat Chimaev Takes Control!

As UFC 319 approaches, the MMA world is holding its breath. The middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev promises to reshape the entire division, and potentially the UFC landscape itself. This is no ordinary title bout—this is a clash between two wildly different animals. One is a relentless, awkward brawler who has climbed to the top through pure grit. The other is a calculated, explosive, and undefeated monster who devours opponents with terrifying efficiency.

The truth that no one wants to say out loud? Dricus Du Plessis will be done once Khamzat Chimaev takes control. That’s not disrespect—it’s analysis backed by the violent reality of what Chimaev does to opponents once he finds his rhythm.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Unorthodox Survivor

Let’s be clear—Du Plessis deserves respect. He’s made a career out of defying expectations. Whether it was brutally dispatching Darren Till, outlasting Robert Whittaker, or edging out Sean Strickland for the middleweight crown, the South African has shown elite toughness, cardio, and a fighting spirit few can match.

He doesn’t have the cleanest striking or the flashiest techniques, but what he lacks in polish, he makes up for in persistence. Du Plessis overwhelms opponents with volume, odd angles, and indomitable will.

But this time, he’s not facing someone who tires after three rounds or someone he can outpace late. This time, he’s facing Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev—a fighter who thrives in chaos and breaks people inside five minutes.

Khamzat Chimaev: The UFC’s Next Dominant Champion?

The aura around Khamzat Chimaev isn’t hype. It’s earned. At 13-0, Chimaev has brutalized almost everyone in his path. From slamming Li Jingliang like a ragdoll to putting Kevin Holland in a choke within minutes, he has shown that his wrestling, pressure, and violence are in a league of their own.

Even in his toughest fight, a three-round war against Gilbert Burns, Chimaev proved something new: he can take shots and still win. He may have looked human for the first time, but even that version of Chimaev was a nightmare.

If Chimaev is even 80% of the beast we’ve seen—and there’s no reason to believe he isn’t—Du Plessis is in trouble.

Why Chimaev Taking Control Spells the End for Du Plessis

Here’s the key: Du Plessis thrives on chaos and forward momentum. He loves to push the pace, absorb damage, and drown his opponents in the later rounds. But Chimaev flips that strategy on its head. Instead of backing up, Chimaev charges forward like a missile.

Once Chimaev gets a takedown, he doesn’t just hold position—he punishes you. His top control is suffocating, and his ground-and-pound is vicious. Against someone like Du Plessis, who lacks elite-level takedown defense and has never faced a grappler like Chimaev, this is a recipe for disaster.

As soon as Chimaev gets that first takedown, the dynamic changes. Du Plessis won’t be able to set his rhythm. He won’t be able to land those funky looping shots. He’ll be fighting to survive. And the truth is, very few survive once Chimaev decides it’s time.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s dig into some stats:

• Chimaev has a takedown accuracy of over 57% and lands over 3 takedowns per 15 minutes.

• Du Plessis gets hit nearly 5 times per minute—a major red flag against someone who comes out of the gate swinging.

• Chimaev has finished 11 of his 13 fights, many in the first round.

• Du Plessis, though durable, has shown signs of slowing in later rounds—especially when forced to wrestle.

Once Chimaev is on top, Du Plessis will have no room to escape. The longer the fight stays on the mat, the less dangerous the South African becomes.

Stylistic Nightmare for Du Plessis

Stylistically, this is one of the worst matchups imaginable for Du Plessis. He isn’t a quick starter. He builds into fights. Chimaev is the opposite—he’s a storm from the opening bell. He doesn’t give you time to figure things out. He breaks you before you can even adjust.

Even on the feet, Chimaev is no slouch. He hits hard, he’s aggressive, and his setups are improving. If Du Plessis thinks he can just bite down on his mouthpiece and brawl, he’s in for a rude awakening.

The Psychological Edge: Chimaev’s Intimidation Factor

Fighters react differently to Chimaev’s presence. He gets into opponents’ heads before the fight even begins. He fights like he’s on a mission to hurt—not just win. That aura has made seasoned veterans hesitate, freeze, or panic under pressure.

Du Plessis is tough—no doubt—but even toughness has limits. If Chimaev smashes him early, those limits will be tested like never before.

Once Chimaev gets comfortable in the Octagon—once he “takes control”—it’s usually game over.

What Would It Take for Du Plessis to Survive?

For Du Plessis to win this fight, he’ll have to:

1. Survive the first two rounds.

2. Neutralize the takedown threat—or at least scramble back to his feet quickly.

3. Turn the fight into a brawl where he can test Chimaev’s cardio and composure.

4. Land something big to make Chimaev think twice about charging in.

It’s possible. But it’s a narrow path.

And based on what we’ve seen, once Chimaev gets his hands on you, there’s no reset button.

UFC 319: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

This fight isn’t just about gold. It’s about dominance, legacy, and the future of the UFC middleweight division.

• A win for Du Plessis means validation. It cements him as more than a gritty survivor—it makes him a real force.

• A win for Chimaev sends shockwaves. It launches him into superstardom and sets up massive matchups against names like Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, or even a jump to light heavyweight.

But only one man will leave Las Vegas with the belt—and the odds suggest it will be Chimaev who stands tall.

What Happens After UFC 319?

If Chimaev wins decisively, the narrative shifts dramatically:

• The Khamzat Era begins at 185.

• Superfights become inevitable.

• Du Plessis may be forced to regroup or consider a move to 205 pounds if he struggles to make weight or sustain damage.

This fight will likely define 2025’s middleweight storyline. And once Chimaev takes control, it could also mark the end of Du Plessis’s time at the top.

Expert Predictions Pour In

UFC analysts and ex-fighters are already weighing in:

• Michael Bisping: “If Khamzat gets that first takedown, I don’t see Dricus getting up. It’ll be a mauling.”

• Daniel Cormier: “Wrestling is the great equalizer, and Khamzat’s wrestling is next level. This might not be competitive.”

• Chael Sonnen: “I love Du Plessis’s grit, but he’s about to meet a monster.”

The Final Prediction: Brutality Incoming

As bold as it may sound, this could be Chimaev’s easiest fight in years. If he fights smart, paces himself, and doesn’t get caught up in a war, he’ll take Du Plessis down and maul him.

Expect a round 2 TKO or submission after relentless pressure and top control.

This won’t just be a win—it’ll be a statement.

Conclusion: When Chimaev Takes Control, It’s Already Over

When the Octagon door shuts at UFC 319, all the hype, trash talk, and speculation will fade away. What will remain is a storm named Khamzat Chimaev, barreling toward the middleweight title with unstoppable force.

If Dricus Du Plessis can’t stop the storm early, then it won’t matter how tough he is or how awkward his style is. Because once Chimaev takes control, it’s not a fight anymore.