Dricus Du Plessis Brands Khamzat Chimaev a ‘Dirty Fighter’ Before UFC 319: Will This Feud Explode Into Chaos in the Cage?

The tension between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is boiling over ahead of their much-anticipated showdown at UFC 319, with the South African middleweight champion stoking the fire by calling Chimaev a “dirty fighter.” This accusation has thrown gasoline on what was already a fiery build-up to one of the most volatile title fights in recent UFC history.

The war of words, brewing for months, has now escalated into outright animosity. With UFC 319 slated to headline in Abu Dhabi, this main event has become about more than just championship gold — it’s a clash of egos, national pride, and fighting ideologies.

Du Plessis Isn’t Holding Back: “Chimaev’s Not Just Aggressive—He’s Dirty”

Speaking in a recent interview, Dricus Du Plessis didn’t mince words when asked about his opponent. “Chimaev is not just an aggressive guy — he’s dirty,” Du Plessis said. “You can watch his fights. He throws late shots, grabs gloves, and pushes boundaries every time he steps into the cage.”

Du Plessis, known for his relentless pace and tactical clinch work, has always presented himself as a purist of the sport — someone who fights hard, but within the lines. He believes Chimaev’s style is dangerous, not just physically, but ethically. “There’s a line in this sport, and he doesn’t just cross it—he runs over it,” said the South African.

The statement quickly made waves in the MMA community, as Chimaev’s reputation for raw aggression and unrelenting pressure has long divided fans. Some praise his intensity; others, like Du Plessis, see it as reckless or even unethical.

Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back: “Cry More, Champion”

Khamzat Chimaev, never one to stay quiet, clapped back immediately on social media with a fiery message: “Cry more, champion. You won’t be talking when I smash your face.” The Chechen-born Swedish star added, “I don’t play games. I fight. And when I fight, I break people.”

Chimaev’s undefeated record speaks for itself. At 13-0, he’s demolished nearly every opponent, including top-tier names like Gilbert Burns, Li Jingliang, and Kevin Holland. But his most controversial moments — including a brutal weight miss at UFC 279 and chaotic brawls outside the cage — have only cemented his image as the UFC’s most unpredictable wildcard.

The idea that Chimaev is “dirty” won’t faze him. If anything, he seems to be leaning into the villain role with a smirk.

A Feud Years in the Making

This isn’t just some last-minute promotional stunt. The Du Plessis vs Chimaev rivalry has been quietly simmering for over a year. It began when both fighters started circling the middleweight division following Du Plessis’ knockout win over Robert Whittaker and Chimaev’s dominant run at welterweight.

When Du Plessis captured the undisputed middleweight title by defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297, it was only a matter of time before the UFC put the undefeated Chimaev on a collision course with the new king of the division.

In fact, many fans argue this should have happened earlier — but visa issues, weight struggles, and health concerns kept Chimaev out of the title picture until now.

What’s at Stake at UFC 319?

Beyond the obvious — the UFC Middleweight Championship — this fight carries enormous implications for the legacy and public perception of both fighters.

• If Dricus Du Plessis wins, he solidifies himself as the real king of the division and derails the most hyped contender in recent UFC history.

• If Khamzat Chimaev wins, he finally fulfills the prophecy Dana White and fans have been building for years: that Chimaev is the most dangerous fighter across multiple divisions.

The location of the bout, Abu Dhabi, only adds to the drama. The Middle East crowd is expected to heavily favor Chimaev, who has a massive fanbase across the region.

A Style Clash for the Ages

Stylistically, Du Plessis vs Chimaev is a dream match-up for hardcore MMA fans. You have:

• Dricus Du Plessis – awkward but effective striking, elite cardio, and a smothering clinch game.

• Khamzat Chimaev – explosive wrestling, fight-ending power, and a kill-or-be-killed mentality.

Chimaev is likely to look for an early finish. He doesn’t do well in drawn-out wars, and his gas tank has shown signs of cracking (most notably against Gilbert Burns). Du Plessis, on the other hand, thrives in chaos and late rounds. If he can survive the early onslaught, he could wear Chimaev down and drown him in the deep waters.

But surviving Chimaev’s first five minutes is easier said than done.

Mind Games: The Trash Talk Strategy

There’s no question Du Plessis is trying to get into Chimaev’s head. By branding him a “dirty fighter,” the champ is doing two things:

1. Shaping the narrative: If Chimaev does anything borderline illegal during the fight, it will now stand out more — both to the ref and the fans.

2. Forcing emotion: Du Plessis wants Chimaev to fight angry, to abandon strategy and swing wildly. The South African is banking on his own composure and conditioning to make the difference.

Whether the mind games work or not, one thing is clear: this fight is personal.

UFC Fighters Chime In: Division on Display

The MMA community is split. Fighters like Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen have defended Chimaev, calling him “aggressive but within the rules.” Meanwhile, others like Marvin Vettori and Derek Brunson have echoed Du Plessis’s concerns, labeling Chimaev’s approach “borderline illegal.”

Israel Adesanya, the former champ, threw shade at both fighters: “One’s a caveman, the other’s a wild dog. Can’t wait to see them kill each other.”

Clearly, this bout is igniting the imagination — and emotions — of fighters and fans alike.

Will the Feud Boil Over on Fight Night?

With so much animosity, such divergent styles, and title gold on the line, many insiders are asking whether UFC 319 could erupt into complete chaos. From pre-fight press conferences to the official weigh-ins, expect tension at every stage. Dana White has reportedly increased security for the event, anticipating fireworks long before the cage door closes.

Could we see another backstage brawl? A volatile weigh-in? Or even a post-fight melee like we saw with Khabib vs McGregor? With Chimaev involved, nothing is off the table.

Final Prediction: Fireworks Are Inevitable

Whether you love or hate them, Du Plessis and Chimaev are must-watch television. The feud has all the ingredients of a UFC classic — national pride, stylistic conflict, undefeated hype, and now, accusations of dirty tactics.

With the middleweight throne up for grabs, this isn’t just a fight. It’s a collision of identities, fighting philosophies, and legacies. The only certainty is that UFC 319’s main event will be violent, dramatic, and impossible to ignore.

So, will Dricus Du Plessis prove that Chimaev’s aggression is his undoing? Or will Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev silence the critics once and for all by mauling his way to the title?

Either way, the cage door will close — and the real talking will begin.