Dricus du Plessis officially speaks out after losing the belt to Khamzat Chimaev.

Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has finally spoken out following his disappointing loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The South African fighter, who entered the bout as a proud and undefeated titleholder inside the octagon, suffered a lopsided unanimous decision defeat that left fans and analysts questioning his strategy, his performance, and what comes next for the man once dubbed “Stillknocks.” After nine days of silence, Du Plessis released a heartfelt statement on social media, detailing his emotions, reflections, and determination to return stronger than ever.

A Humbling Night in the Octagon

The bout against Chimaev was billed as one of the most anticipated middleweight clashes of 2025, with two powerful fighters known for relentless pressure and raw physicality. Yet, the fight itself told a very different story. Chimaev dominated Du Plessis from the opening bell, controlling the majority of the fight with suffocating wrestling, effective ground pressure, and a pace that the former champion simply could not match.

Across five rounds, Du Plessis was controlled for more than 21 minutes, landing only 45 total strikes compared to absorbing a staggering 529 strikes. While only 37 of Chimaev’s shots were considered significant, the sheer volume of control time and positional dominance made the scorecards unanimous. Du Plessis was unable to mount any real offensive momentum until a brief moment in the final round, but by then, the fight had already slipped away.

The Fighter’s Statement: Embracing Defeat as Fuel

On Monday, Du Plessis addressed his fans and critics in a long-awaited message. The 31-year-old admitted his deep disappointment but reframed the loss as an essential step in his journey toward greatness.

“It’s been just over a week and I have spent some time with my family and friends, those closest to me who will be with me win or lose,” he wrote. “I embrace this loss with open arms, because believe me as much as I hate losing, it’s as much part of life as part of our game – and I believe it’s necessary in my pursuit of greatness.”

Du Plessis acknowledged that while he despises the idea of losing, it would serve as a powerful motivator. He declared that this setback would ignite an even greater hunger and promised that his return would surpass anything fans had seen before.

“Make no mistake I’m not a good loser, because a good loser becomes a frequent one,” he continued. “I am however an avid learner of the arts and of life itself. This loss has exploded a desire in me that will have the consequence of an onslaught bigger than the original domination. My return to glory and pursuit of greatness will be unimaginable for the average minded.”

Acknowledging Chimaev and the Fans

In his message, Du Plessis displayed humility by congratulating Chimaev for being the better fighter on the night. “I have absolutely no excuses for my performance, I was beaten by a better fighter on the night, congratulations to my opponent and thank you for the honour of sharing the octagon with you,” he said.

He also extended gratitude to fans worldwide for their support during this challenging period, though he didn’t shy away from addressing those who celebrated his downfall. “Thank you for all the love and support from fans all over the world … AND SINCERELY thank you to all those who enjoyed to see me fall, because I will return the favour, like I always have.”

What Went Wrong for Du Plessis?

Analysts have pointed to several factors in Du Plessis’ performance. His striking, normally a key weapon in overwhelming opponents, was neutralized by Chimaev’s constant pressure. His takedown defense faltered as he defended only 5 of 17 attempts, leaving him trapped against the cage and on the ground for most of the contest. The South African, known for his explosive bursts and ability to push through adversity, appeared unusually flat, unable to dictate pace or land his power shots.

Some have speculated that the sheer intensity of Chimaev’s wrestling and grappling was too much for Du Plessis’ preparation. Others believe the former champion may have underestimated the Dagestani star’s cardio and resilience, expecting him to slow down after the opening rounds. Instead, Chimaev maintained relentless pressure, exposing gaps in Du Plessis’ defensive game.

The Path Ahead: What’s Next for Stillknocks?

Du Plessis now faces the biggest question of his career: what comes next? As a former middleweight champion with an impressive record that includes victories over Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland (twice), and Robert Whittaker, his credentials remain undeniable. However, the nature of this loss raises concerns about whether he can adapt to the next wave of contenders who bring world-class wrestling and suffocating grappling to the table.

A period of recovery and recalibration is expected, with no official word on how long he will be sidelined or who his next opponent might be. Potential matchups could include a redemption fight against a top-five opponent such as Marvin Vettori or Jared Cannonier, or perhaps a grudge match with Sean Strickland if the UFC wants to reignite an old rivalry.

There’s also the possibility of Du Plessis stepping back for a tune-up fight to regain confidence before challenging for a title eliminator again. Whatever the UFC’s plan, Du Plessis has made it clear: he has no intention of fading away quietly.

A Legacy Far From Over

For Du Plessis, this loss does not define his career—it refines it. Great champions are not only measured by their victories but by how they respond to defeat. His statement shows a fighter unwilling to make excuses, unwilling to accept complacency, and determined to transform this setback into a stepping stone for something greater.

Fans may have seen the cracks in UFC 319, but Du Plessis insists that those cracks will become the foundation of an even stronger version of himself. Whether his resurgence will be enough to reclaim the middleweight crown remains to be seen, but if his words are anything to go by, the UFC faithful can expect nothing less than fireworks when he returns.

Conclusion

Dricus Du Plessis’ silence after UFC 319 spoke volumes, but his eventual statement carried even more weight. By admitting defeat without excuses, congratulating his opponent, and channeling his frustration into motivation, the South African has set the stage for one of the most intriguing comeback stories in the UFC today. For now, fans await his return—and if history is any indication, “Stillknocks” won’t stay down for long.