Colby Covington Reveals Unexpected Favorite For Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis fight

In the dynamic world of MMA, few potential matchups have generated as much buzz as a prospective bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis. Both fighters have been on impressive trajectories in the UFC, setting the stage for a clash that promises to be both thrilling and unpredictable. Adding to the intrigue, former UFC welterweight title challenger Colby Covington has recently shared his thoughts on this potential fight, offering a prediction that has surprised many in the MMA community.

Colby Covington’s Unexpected Prediction

During a recent appearance on Tim Welch’s podcast, Covington expressed his belief that Dricus du Plessis has the attributes necessary to defeat Khamzat Chimaev. He highlighted du Plessis’ unorthodox fighting style and physical strength as factors that could pose significant challenges to Chimaev’s wrestling-centric approach. Covington also pointed out Chimaev’s lack of experience in five-round fights, suggesting that this could be a disadvantage for the undefeated fighter.

“I think DDP gets it done! I think his unorthodox style will surprise him. And hopefully, he’s strong enough to fend off the takedowns and Khamzat has never been in a five-round fight. So I think, Khamzat gets beaten up.” 

Covington’s assessment is rooted in his extensive experience in the welterweight division and his understanding of the fighters’ skill sets. His perspective adds a layer of depth to the ongoing discussions surrounding this potential matchup.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Phenom

Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene with a series of dominant performances, quickly establishing himself as a formidable force. His aggressive wrestling style, coupled with striking prowess, has led to an unblemished record, making him one of the most talked-about fighters in recent years.

Key Achievements:

• Rapid Ascension: Chimaev made headlines by securing three UFC victories in just 66 days, showcasing his readiness to compete frequently and dominate opponents.

• Versatility: Competing in both welterweight and middleweight divisions, Chimaev has demonstrated adaptability, finishing opponents with both strikes and submissions.

• Notable Victories: His win over former title challenger Gilbert Burns solidified his status as a top contender, displaying his ability to withstand adversity and secure victory.

Despite his impressive resume, questions about Chimaev’s cardio have emerged. In his bout against Burns, Chimaev appeared to tire in the later rounds, leading some analysts to speculate about his endurance in longer fights.

Dricus du Plessis: The Unorthodox Powerhouse

Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis has steadily climbed the middleweight ranks, earning a reputation for his unconventional fighting style and resilience. Hailing from South Africa, du Plessis brings a unique approach to the octagon, blending striking and grappling in unpredictable ways.

Key Achievements:

• Impressive Streak: Du Plessis has amassed a series of victories in the UFC, with many coming by way of knockout, underscoring his striking power.

• Championship Pedigree: Before joining the UFC, he held titles in other organizations, reflecting his championship mindset and experience.

• Recent Success: His recent performances have positioned him as a top contender in the middleweight division, with fans and analysts alike taking note of his potential.

Du Plessis’ ability to adapt mid-fight and his unorthodox movements present challenges for opponents, making him a formidable adversary for anyone in the division.

Analyzing the Potential Matchup

A fight between Chimaev and du Plessis would be a clash of contrasting styles, each bringing distinct advantages and potential vulnerabilities.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Advantages:

• Wrestling Dominance: Chimaev’s wrestling is elite, often overwhelming opponents and dictating the pace of the fight.

• Aggressive Approach: His relentless pressure can force opponents into defensive modes, limiting their offensive opportunities.

• Finishing Ability: With a high finishing rate, Chimaev poses a constant threat, whether on the feet or the ground.

Potential Vulnerabilities:

• Cardio Concerns: As noted in previous bouts, Chimaev’s gas tank in extended fights remains a topic of discussion.

• Experience in Deep Waters: Lack of five-round fight experience could be a factor against seasoned opponents.

Dricus du Plessis’ Advantages:

• Unorthodox Style: His unconventional movements and striking angles can disrupt opponents’ timing and strategies.

• Physical Strength: Du Plessis has showcased the ability to fend off takedowns and engage effectively in clinch situations.

• Durability: His resilience and ability to weather storms make him a tough opponent to finish.

Potential Vulnerabilities:

• Defensive Gaps: At times, his unorthodox style can lead to defensive lapses, which sharp opponents might exploit.

• Adaptation to Pressure: Handling Chimaev’s relentless forward pressure would be a critical test.

The Stakes and Implications

The outcome of a Chimaev vs. du Plessis fight carries significant implications for the middleweight division.

For Khamzat Chimaev:

• Title Contention: A victory could catapult him into immediate title contention, aligning with his aspirations for UFC gold.

• Silencing Doubters: Overcoming a top contender like du Plessis would address criticisms regarding his endurance and experience.

For Dricus du Plessis:

• Legacy Building: A victory over Chimaev would solidify du Plessis as a legitimate title contender and one of the most dangerous middleweights in the UFC.

• Potential Title Shot: Depending on the timing of the fight, a win could put du Plessis in line for a shot at the UFC middleweight championship.

• Proving His Versatility: Beating a dominant grappler like Chimaev would prove that du Plessis has the all-around skill set needed to take on elite competition.

Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz

The possibility of a Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis fight has already generated significant discussion among MMA fans and analysts. Social media platforms have been buzzing with debates over Covington’s prediction, with opinions split on who would emerge victorious in such a high-stakes matchup.

Some fans believe that Chimaev’s relentless pace and grappling will be too much for du Plessis to handle, while others argue that du Plessis’ strength and awkward striking will create problems for Chimaev. Analysts have pointed out that du Plessis’ ability to make fights chaotic could throw Chimaev off his game, much like Gilbert Burns did in their war at UFC 273.

MMA pundits have also weighed in on the fight, with some siding with Covington’s take. Others, however, believe Chimaev’s dominant performances so far make him the rightful favorite if the two were to meet in the octagon.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

As of now, the UFC has not officially announced a fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis. However, both fighters have made it clear that they are looking for big-name opponents, making this potential matchup a realistic possibility in the near future.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Path Forward

Chimaev has been vocal about his desire to fight for a UFC title. Whether in the middleweight or welterweight division, he has been calling out top contenders and champions alike. A fight against du Plessis would be a massive test for him and could serve as a stepping stone toward a title opportunity.

There have also been rumors of Chimaev potentially facing other middleweight contenders like Robert Whittaker or Paulo Costa. However, du Plessis represents a unique challenge, and if the UFC books this fight, it could serve as a title eliminator.

Dricus du Plessis’ Championship Aspirations

Du Plessis has made it clear that his ultimate goal is to become the UFC middleweight champion. His recent winning streak has placed him among the top names in the division, and a victory over Chimaev would make his case for a title shot undeniable.

With middleweight champion Sean Strickland and other contenders like Israel Adesanya in the mix, du Plessis will need a statement win to ensure his spot in the title picture. Beating Chimaev would do just that, proving that he belongs at the top of the division.

Final Thoughts: A Must-See Matchup?

If the UFC books Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis, fans can expect an explosive and unpredictable fight. With Covington throwing his support behind du Plessis, the stakes have been raised even higher.

The contrast in styles—Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and aggression vs. du Plessis’ power and unorthodox striking—makes this a fascinating fight to analyze. If Chimaev can impose his grappling, he may be able to dominate. But if du Plessis can keep the fight standing and use his awkward movement to disrupt Chimaev’s rhythm, we could see an upset.

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: this fight would have major implications for the middleweight division and could set the stage for the next UFC champion.