Dricus Du Plessis publicly called Khamzat a ‘princess’ right before UFC 319 – what’s going on?

The UFC 319 spotlight just got a little hotter—and a lot more personal.

In a viral Instagram moment that has set MMA fans buzzing, Dricus Du Plessis took a direct shot at Khamzat Chimaev, mocking the Chechen-born star with a pointed and sarcastic comment:
“Put a shirt on princess before you catch another cold.”

The jab, posted under a black-and-white photo of Chimaev flexing shirtless, was pure internet gold—and pure fight game venom. With over 680 likes on the comment and hundreds of reactions across platforms, it’s clear the message hit its mark: Dricus is not just fighting in the Octagon—he’s fighting in the comments section, too.

The Timing: Days Before UFC 319

What makes the insult even more explosive is the timing. UFC 319 is just around the corner, and the stakes are sky-high. Both fighters have been circling each other for months, trading verbal jabs and teases through interviews and social media.

But this comment is the most blatant callout yet. While no official fight has been confirmed between the two, all signs point to a future showdown—and this could be the spark that sets it off.

With Khamzat Chimaev currently seen as one of the most dangerous undefeated fighters in the UFC and Du Plessis riding high as the reigning middleweight champion, a potential clash between the two is more than hype—it’s inevitable.

A Not-So-Subtle Dig at Chimaev’s Health Issues?

Fans quickly caught onto what may be an even deeper meaning behind the troll.

Chimaev has had a rocky recent history with health complications, including multiple withdrawals from fights due to illness. Du Plessis’ jab—telling Khamzat to put a shirt on “before he catches another cold”—can easily be seen as a shot at his history of pull-outs and respiratory problems, especially following his long layoff due to COVID-related complications in 2021.

That makes the insult personal—and, in some fans’ eyes, disrespectful.

Still, this is the UFC, and the line between fight promotion and trash talk has always been blurred. In fact, most fans are loving the tension.

Khamzat’s Response? Silence… For Now

As of this writing, Khamzat Chimaev has not responded publicly to Du Plessis’ insult. But based on past behavior, it’s only a matter of time before “Borz” fires back—either with a meme, a chilling video message, or a call for blood in the Octagon.

Chimaev isn’t known for staying quiet when he’s provoked. In fact, he’s one of the most vocal and unpredictable stars on the UFC roster, often flipping between languages and moods with ease—one minute calm and composed, the next screaming threats in multiple tongues.

If Du Plessis was trying to poke the bear, he may soon find out if the bear bites back.

Social Media Reaction: Fans Eating It Up

The post has ignited social media, with fans flooding the comments with laughing emojis, fire reactions, and speculation about what’s coming next.

Some popular responses include:

• “Dricus just pulled a McGregor move with that comment.”

• “Khamzat’s gonna snap. This fight needs to happen ASAP.”

• “You know it’s real when the champ gets into IG troll mode.”

Others noted the irony that Du Plessis is usually seen as more composed and respectful compared to fighters like Sean Strickland or Colby Covington, making this burn even more unexpected.

Is the UFC Setting the Stage?

With UFC 319 around the corner, this exchange may be part of a larger promotional strategy—or a spontaneous clash of egos that Dana White can only hope turns into a pay-per-view goldmine.

The UFC is no stranger to letting fighters build their own storylines, and Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is already brewing as a headline-worthy war. If both men keep winning—or if someone gets pulled last-minute into a title defense—the path is clear for a Du Plessis vs. Chimaev showdown, possibly for the middleweight title.

What’s at Stake?

Beyond the personal digs, both men have a lot to lose—and even more to gain.

Dricus Du Plessis is currently seen as the top of the food chain at middleweight, having dethroned Israel Adesanya’s momentum and proving he can go five rounds against the world’s best.

Khamzat Chimaev, on the other hand, remains undefeated but untested at the championship level. His dominance has been undeniable, but the lingering questions around his cardio, discipline, and long-term health still remain.

A fight between these two would answer a lot of questions. Is Du Plessis the real king of the division, or is Chimaev the uncrowned monster just waiting for his shot? And if they don’t fight soon, will this tension boil over into a real-life confrontation?

Final Thoughts

Whether the comment was clever promotion, genuine disrespect, or both, Dricus Du Plessis just threw gasoline on the fire that is the Khamzat Chimaev rivalry.

With UFC 319 just days away and no official matchup between the two yet, this could be the beginning of a full-blown grudge match that ends in one of the most violent showdowns in recent memory.

The fans are ready. The hype is real. Now we wait to see if Khamzat punches back—with words or fists.