Dricus Du Plessis challenges Khamzat Chimaev to ‘Feel the real power’, the Wolf declares ‘He won’t last more than one round!’

The UFC middleweight division has become the epicenter of an escalating rivalry between two of the sport’s most dangerous forces — Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. In an exchange that has electrified the MMA world, Du Plessis has thrown down a bold challenge, warning Chimaev to “feel the real power,” while the Chechen-born destroyer fired back with chilling confidence: “He won’t last more than one round.” With emotions running high, this war of words has laid the foundation for what could be the UFC’s most explosive middleweight clash in years.

Du Plessis to Chimaev: “Come Feel the Real Power”

Fresh off his hard-earned victory over Sean Strickland to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship, Dricus Du Plessis is not backing down from anyone — especially not Khamzat Chimaev. During a fiery media appearance, Du Plessis made it clear that he is ready to defend his title against the most dangerous contenders, but he didn’t stop there. Aiming directly at Chimaev, he declared:

“Let him come. Let him feel the real power. I’ve fought tougher wars and climbed higher mountains. I’ll break him before he knows it.”

This isn’t just promotional banter — it’s a direct assault on Chimaev’s reputation as the most feared man in the UFC. Du Plessis’ confidence stems from his ability to walk through fire, as seen in his wars with Darren Till, Robert Whittaker, and Strickland, where he showcased incredible pressure, durability, and striking variety. Now, with the belt in hand, he’s calling out the UFC’s apex predator — and sending a message to the rest of the division.

Khamzat Chimaev Responds: “He Won’t Last More Than One Round!”

As expected, Khamzat Chimaev, aka “Borz” — the wolf — didn’t stay silent. Known for his terrifying intensity and trash talk, Chimaev clapped back on social media and in interviews with trademark menace:

“This guy? He’s slow. He’s soft. He won’t last more than one round with me. I will take him down and smash him. No problem.”

The message is clear: Chimaev still believes in his unstoppable path of destruction. He burst into the UFC with a whirlwind of finishes and set records for the fastest turnaround wins. After a decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294, albeit without a finish, Chimaev is eager to show that his killer instinct hasn’t faded. And there’s no better target than the reigning champion.

This verbal exchange has lit a fire under the entire division. Fans are debating endlessly — is Du Plessis the real power, or is Chimaev’s storm too much for anyone to handle?

Clashing Styles: Pressure vs. Chaos

What makes this potential fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev so thrilling is the contrast in fighting styles. Du Plessis brings relentless forward motion, volume striking, and cardio-based attrition. He excels in messy, violent fights where heart and toughness are the deciding factors.

Chimaev, on the other hand, is a fast-starter. He prefers early takedowns, top control, and brutal ground-and-pound. If he doesn’t dominate in the first round, cracks start to appear — as seen in the Gilbert Burns war and his recent fight with Usman. Can Chimaev finish Du Plessis early, or will the South African champion drag him into deep waters?

This is not just a stylistic chess match — it’s a clash of wills. Both fighters believe they can break the other, and both have built reputations on doing exactly that.

Du Plessis’ Rise: The Warrior King of South Africa

Dricus Du Plessis has evolved from a regional talent into the undisputed middleweight king. His journey is marked by grueling wars and upset victories, each one reinforcing his reputation as a fighter who thrives under pressure. His win over Whittaker, in particular, showcased a sharp evolution in striking and timing — earning him the title shot and eventual victory over Strickland.

But it’s not just his fight record that defines him — it’s his mindset. Du Plessis doesn’t just fight to win — he fights to prove a point. He has often spoken about carrying the pride of South Africa and becoming the first true African UFC champion who trains and lives on the continent. A fight against Chimaev is about more than gold — it’s about legacy and identity.

Chimaev’s Unfulfilled Promise: Will He Finally Get the Crown?

Khamzat Chimaev has long been billed as a future champion. After tearing through opponents like Li Jingliang and Kevin Holland, he became one of the most feared names in the UFC. Yet despite the dominance, Chimaev has faced a string of delays — injuries, canceled fights, and visa issues have kept him from reaching the mountaintop.

His move to middleweight was expected to fast-track a title shot, and now, with Du Plessis holding the crown, the stage is set. But doubts linger. Can Chimaev fight for five rounds? Can he handle adversity? Du Plessis is built to test those questions.

Chimaev’s thunderous start is no longer enough — he needs to prove he can endure a war.

UFC Fans and Fighters React: “This Is the Fight to Make”

The MMA community is erupting over the possibility of Du Plessis vs. Chimaev. On social media, fans are calling this “the best fight in the division.” UFC veterans like Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier have both endorsed the matchup, calling it a stylistic masterpiece.

Cormier stated:

“Du Plessis is a dog, man. He can take punishment and keep coming. If Chimaev can’t finish him early, we might see him drown.”

Meanwhile, Bisping praised the rivalry for its authenticity, saying:

“These guys actually want to hurt each other. It’s not fake beef. That’s what fans love.”

Whether it’s the national pride, the undefeated records, or the trash talk, this rivalry has fans fully invested. It feels personal — and that’s what makes it must-see.

Timing and Location: UFC 306 or Abu Dhabi?

With UFC 305 already building up, insiders believe Du Plessis vs. Chimaev could headline UFC 306 or a major Abu Dhabi card later in 2025. Abu Dhabi makes sense given Chimaev’s strong Middle Eastern following and previous appearances in the region.

Du Plessis, meanwhile, has pushed for a title defense in Africa, but the UFC may be more inclined to stack an international PPV. No matter where it lands, the fight is guaranteed to draw global attention.

Dana White has not confirmed the bout yet, but matchmakers are reportedly exploring dates. If both men stay healthy and continue to stoke the rivalry, the UFC could build this into one of the biggest fights of the year.

What’s at Stake: Championship, Legacy, and Dominance

The potential bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is more than a title defense — it’s a clash for control of the division. For Du Plessis, this is the ultimate validation. Beating Chimaev — the UFC’s most hyped contender — would silence critics forever and elevate him into pound-for-pound conversation.

For Chimaev, it’s finally a shot at the belt and the chance to prove his dominance wasn’t hype. A win over the reigning champion would fulfill years of buildup and solidify his place in UFC history.

And let’s not forget: the loser faces massive consequences. A brutal loss could derail years of momentum. In a stacked division, falling off the title track means a long road back.

Final Breakdown: Who Has the Edge?

If this fight happens, the key question becomes: can Chimaev get the finish early, or can Du Plessis survive and outlast him?

• Chimaev’s path to victory: Early takedown, control, ground-and-pound. Finish in Round 1 or 2.

• Du Plessis’ path to victory: Survive early, make it a war, capitalize in Rounds 3-5 with superior cardio and pressure.

This is a 50-50 fight on paper, and that’s what makes it so compelling. But the psychological battle has already begun, and Du Plessis’ bold challenge — telling Chimaev to “feel the real power” — has shifted momentum his way.

Will the Wolf bite back in the Octagon? Or will the champion crush the myth and defend his throne?