Dricus Du Plessis Drops Bombshell on Chimaev’s Past Opponents: ‘Didn’t You Train?’

The upcoming UFC 319 main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev has all the makings of a war inside the octagon. Scheduled to take place at the United Center in Chicago, the fight pits the reigning UFC middleweight champion against an undefeated contender known for his relentless aggression and suffocating wrestling game.

In the build-up to the clash, Du Plessis didn’t just talk strategy — he sent a pointed message to Chimaev’s previous opponents, questioning whether they had truly prepared themselves for the challenge. His comments were not only sharp but also revealed his own mentality heading into what could be one of the most intense battles of his career.

Du Plessis Calls Out Chimaev’s Opponents for Playing Too Defensive

In a media day appearance ahead of UFC 319, Du Plessis openly criticized the approach many of Chimaev’s former adversaries have taken when facing the Chechen-born powerhouse. According to him, the mistake has been giving too much respect to Chimaev’s takedown threat — to the point that fighters end up being reactive rather than proactive.

“A lot of guys have made this mistake fighting him: going in and saying, ‘I need to watch out for that. He’s gonna shoot and I need to be ready. I have to watch out,’” Du Plessis said. “And then they don’t do anything until he does shoot and gets them down anyway. You have to go out there and fight. Didn’t you train?”

This blunt remark not only challenges Chimaev’s past opponents but also signals Du Plessis’ own game plan: to fight his fight without fear. In his view, whether it’s Chimaev’s wrestling or striking, there’s no point in trying to avoid the inevitable.

The Champion’s Philosophy: Bring the Fight

Du Plessis, holding an impressive 23-2 MMA record with 9-0 in the UFC, has developed a reputation for his endurance, toughness, and ability to push through fatigue. The South African champion has gone the distance in multiple five-round bouts, something Chimaev has only experienced twice — and never beyond the third round in a competitive fight.

For Du Plessis, this is a key advantage. “If we go full speed, you know, I can fight tired all day. I’ve done that many times. So, let’s go for it. Let’s go from the first bell to the last. Let’s go full speed and see who quits,” he said.

The middleweight king sees no reason to play a waiting game. Instead, he plans to match Chimaev’s intensity from the opening seconds, with confidence that his own conditioning can outlast his challenger’s famed early blitz.

Chimaev’s Aggression and Gas Tank Questions

Khamzat Chimaev enters UFC 319 with a perfect 14-0 MMA record and 8-0 in the UFC. His dominance has often come through rapid, overwhelming pressure, especially via takedowns and smothering top control. However, questions have lingered about his cardio in extended fights.

Against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, both three-round bouts, Chimaev started strong but faded late, allowing his opponents to rally. Du Plessis sees this as a potential weakness he can exploit over the championship distance.

“He didn’t change his game plan with Robert Whittaker because it was a five-rounder,” Du Plessis noted, referencing Chimaev’s first-round finish at UFC 308. “That kind of already gives me the sense that he’s not gonna think about the five rounds when he should be. Five rounds is a long time, and I am not scared to get into that dark place.”

The Wrestling Chess Match

A major narrative heading into UFC 319 is the wrestling battle. While Chimaev is renowned for his takedowns, Du Plessis isn’t shying away from grappling exchanges. In fact, he says he’ll be shooting for takedowns himself.

“Yes, he is gonna shoot. Yes, he is probably gonna take me down, but I’m gonna shoot too, and I’m probably gonna take him down,” Du Plessis said. “And I’m gonna strike, and I’m probably gonna hit him. He’s gonna strike and probably hit me. I’m not scared of any of that.”

The champion’s camp has reportedly dedicated extensive time to wrestling defense and counter-wrestling, ensuring that if Chimaev tries to impose his grappling game, Du Plessis will have the tools to respond — not just to defend, but to reverse positions and create offense of his own.

Why Du Plessis Refuses to Play It Safe

Du Plessis’ approach to fighting is rooted in pressure and aggression, not hesitation. He draws an analogy to facing a striking specialist like Israel Adesanya, saying you wouldn’t start the fight in a defensive posture just to avoid their strengths — you’d meet them head-on.

“If you’re fighting Israel Adesanya, are you going to start on your bum and butt scoot? No. You’re gonna have to fight him,” Du Plessis argued. For him, the same applies to Chimaev: trying to avoid his wrestling only gives him the advantage.

The Psychological Battle

By questioning Chimaev’s past opponents with the now-viral line, “Didn’t you train?”, Du Plessis may be doing more than just hyping the fight. He’s framing himself as a fighter who won’t be intimidated, someone willing to engage on all fronts. This could unsettle Chimaev, who often thrives on mentally overwhelming his opponents before physically dominating them.

Moreover, Du Plessis’ statements suggest he’s aiming to dictate the tempo, forcing Chimaev into deeper waters where questions about his stamina may come to the forefront.

What’s at Stake at UFC 319

This isn’t just another title defense for Du Plessis — it’s a chance to cement his place among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the world. Beating an undefeated force like Chimaev would add a massive statement to his résumé.

For Chimaev, UFC 319 represents the culmination of years of hype and dominance. A win would not only make him the UFC middleweight champion but also validate the belief among his fans that he’s the most dangerous fighter in the sport.

Given both men’s aggressive styles, few expect this fight to be a slow-paced, technical chess match. The anticipation is for violence, pace, and a test of wills.

Final Outlook

As UFC 319 approaches, the war of words between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is adding fuel to an already fiery matchup. Du Plessis’ jab at Chimaev’s previous opponents — and his unwavering commitment to bringing the fight — signals that he’s not just aiming to win, but to dominate.

Whether his strategy of pushing the pace will expose Chimaev’s gas tank issues or play into the challenger’s early blitz remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: Du Plessis will not be stepping into the octagon with fear or hesitation.

In his own words, “I’m not going out there to fight his fight. I’m going out there to do what Dricus does, and that is be a world champion.”