Chimaev Mocks Du Plessis: "I’ll Turn Him Into A Living Punching Bag!"

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The War of Words Begins

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) thrives on rivalries, and Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis could be one of the most explosive matchups in UFC history. As rumors swirl about a potential showdown between these two middleweight powerhouses, Chimaev has already fired the first shot, mocking Du Plessis in an interview and boldly declaring, “I’ll turn him into a living punching bag!”

image_67dd102704d8d Chimaev Mocks Du Plessis: "I’ll Turn Him Into a Living Punching Bag!"

This statement has sent shockwaves through the UFC community. Chimaev, known for his ferocious fighting style, trash talk, and dominant performances, seems eager to face the newly crowned middleweight champion. Meanwhile, Du Plessis, who just stunned the world with his win over Israel Adesanya, has yet to respond—but fans are already buzzing about a potential war inside the Octagon.

Will this fight happen? And if it does, how would it play out? Let’s break down the rivalry, the potential fight, and why this could be one of the most heated battles in UFC history.

Chimaev’s Taunts: A Classic Psychological Strategy?

Chimaev’s Fighting Mentality

Khamzat Chimaev is no stranger to mind games. From the moment he burst onto the UFC scene, he has built his reputation as a fighter who not only destroys opponents physically but also mentally breaks them before they even step into the cage.

Past Trash Talk & Psychological Warfare:

Against Kamaru Usman: “I will eat this guy for breakfast!”
Against Paulo Costa: “He talks too much; I’ll smash his face!”
Against Gilbert Burns: “He is nothing! I’ll finish him in one round!”

Now, Chimaev has set his sights on Du Plessis, and his latest insult is designed to make the South African champion question his toughness and ability to handle Chimaev’s relentless pressure.

Why Call Du Plessis a “Living Punching Bag”?

By calling Du Plessis a “living punching bag,” Chimaev is implying that the champ is:

Too slow to keep up with him.
Defensively weak and easy to hit.
Not on the same level as Chimaev in terms of skill.

This is a bold claim, especially considering Du Plessis has shown incredible toughness against elite fighters like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya. But Chimaev is confident that his superior grappling, power, and relentless aggression will overwhelm Du Plessis.

Will the UFC Book Chimaev vs. Du Plessis?

The UFC has yet to officially announce Dricus Du Plessis’ first title defense, but Chimaev is making a strong case for why he should be next in line.

Reasons Why This Fight Could Happen Next

✔ Chimaev is Undefeated: The UFC loves undefeated fighters, and Chimaev’s perfect record makes him an intriguing challenger.

✔ No Clear Contender: With Israel Adesanya potentially taking time off, there are few immediate contenders for the middleweight belt.

✔ A Heated Rivalry Sells Pay-Per-Views: The UFC thrives on bad blood and intense rivalries, and Chimaev’s latest insult has already built hype for this potential showdown.

Could the UFC Favor Someone Else Instead?

While Chimaev wants this fight, the UFC could also consider:

Jared Cannonier – Ranked in the top five, a veteran who has been waiting for a title shot.
Sean Strickland (Rematch) – The former champion lost his belt in a razor-close fight to Du Plessis.

However, Chimaev’s star power, undefeated record, and trash talk make him the most marketable option.

Breaking Down the Fight: Chimaev vs. Du Plessis

If the fight happens, who has the edge? Let’s break it down:

Striking: Edge – Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis has proven that he can stand and trade with the best strikers in the division. His awkward yet effective striking helped him defeat:
✔ Robert Whittaker (former champ)
✔ Israel Adesanya (arguably the best striker in UFC history)

Meanwhile, Chimaev has power, but he is primarily a wrestler-first fighter.

Grappling: Edge – Chimaev

There’s no debate here. Chimaev’s wrestling is world-class, and if he gets Du Plessis to the ground, it could be a nightmare for the champ.

✔ Chimaev’s Takedowns:

Took down Kamaru Usman multiple times (one of the best wrestlers in MMA).
Dominated Kevin Holland with wrestling.
Outgrappled Jack Hermansson (a skilled grappler).

Du Plessis has good takedown defense, but can he handle Chimaev’s relentless pressure?

Cardio & Durability: Edge – Du Plessis

This could be the X-factor. Du Plessis has an insane gas tank and keeps pushing forward even when exhausted. Meanwhile, Chimaev has shown cardio issues in longer fights (e.g., against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman).

✔ If Du Plessis survives the early storm, he could take over in later rounds.

What Happens If Chimaev Wins?

If Chimaev dominates Du Plessis like he promises, it would:
✔ Make him the undisputed middleweight champion.
✔ Elevate him into superstardom.
✔ Set up super fights against big names like Adesanya, Strickland, or even Alex Pereira.

What Happens If Du Plessis Wins?

If Du Plessis stops Chimaev, it would:
✔ Prove he is the real deal as the champion.
✔ End Chimaev’s undefeated streak in brutal fashion.
✔ Give Du Plessis the respect he deserves as one of the UFC’s best.

Final Prediction: Who Wins?

If Chimaev wins, it will be by early stoppage (Submission or TKO in Round 1-2).
If Du Plessis wins, it will be a late TKO or decision victory.

A Fight That Needs to Happen

With Chimaev openly mocking Du Plessis, the stage is set for a thrilling rivalry. Whether it’s personal or just psychological warfare, one thing is clear—if these two step into the Octagon, fireworks are guaranteed.