Dricus Du Plessis Secretly Preparing What Plan at UFC 319: Will Khamzat Chimaev Be Silently Destroyed?

The middleweight showdown between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 is already the most anticipated fight of the summer, but behind the scenes, there may be more going on than meets the eye. Rumors are swirling that du Plessis is quietly crafting a secret game plan that could silently destroy Khamzat Chimaev’s undefeated aura. With the event set for August 16 in Chicago, fight fans are buzzing with one question: What exactly is Dricus cooking up—and can it break Chimaev’s streak of dominance?

The Calm Before the Storm: Du Plessis’s Silent Camp

Unlike the loud, media-fueled buildup of many title fights, Dricus du Plessis has remained unusually quiet in the lead-up to UFC 319. Sources close to his camp suggest that this silence isn’t accidental—it’s strategic.

“Dricus has shut down all distractions,” one insider claimed. “No media, no drama. Just pure focus. He’s planning something special, and he doesn’t want Chimaev to see it coming.”

This mysterious approach has left many wondering: Is du Plessis developing a plan specifically designed to counter Chimaev’s explosiveness? Or is this radio silence a psychological tactic aimed at unsettling the Chechen-Swedish phenom?

Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain: Dricus du Plessis is not underestimating Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev: A Predator Who Strikes Early

Khamzat Chimaev has carved a path of destruction through two UFC divisions, and his dominance has come quickly. Known for first-round finishes and high-octane grappling, Chimaev doesn’t just win—he overwhelms.

Chimaev’s relentless pace and ground control have broken the will of many opponents. From Gerald Meerschaert to Kevin Holland, very few have survived the storm. He’s even beaten top contenders like Gilbert Burns in close wars, proving he’s not just a fast starter—he’s a problem for anyone at any time.

“You don’t want to be in front of Khamzat when he charges,” said UFC analyst Daniel Cormier. “He’s a hurricane.”

But that very storm may have a limit—and du Plessis is betting on it.

The Secret Strategy: Is Du Plessis Targeting Chimaev’s Cardio?

Several clues from du Plessis’s training camp point to a game plan centered around attrition and cardio warfare. Fighters and coaches familiar with his preparation say endurance training, sprawl drills, and extended grappling sessions have been prioritized over striking.

The theory? Chimaev fades after Round 2. And if du Plessis can survive that initial surge, the fight becomes his to control.

“Du Plessis isn’t trying to outwrestle Khamzat early,” one coach explained. “He’s preparing to stuff just enough takedowns, survive the early chaos, and make it ugly by Round 3.”

It’s a bold plan—but it might be the only way to neutralize Khamzat’s early-round superpower.

The Sean Strickland Blueprint: 10 Rounds of Grit

Du Plessis’s credentials as a grinder aren’t theoretical. He’s gone the championship distance with Sean Strickland—twice. These weren’t just long fights; they were gritty, pressure-filled wars that tested every aspect of his game.

In both outings, du Plessis didn’t just survive—he outlasted and outpressured one of the division’s most volume-heavy fighters. His gas tank, composure, and ability to adapt in real-time were on full display.

If du Plessis brings that same intensity and resilience to UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev will be in for the longest night of his career.

The Psychological Battle: Who Cracks First?

While Chimaev thrives on chaos, du Plessis remains calm under pressure. His demeanor is cold, calculated, and composed—a stark contrast to Chimaev’s emotionally charged aggression.

Psychologically, this could be the X-factor. If du Plessis remains unfazed through Round 1 and begins pressing forward in Round 2, the pressure could shift dramatically.

“Fighters who rely on early dominance hate when opponents won’t go away,” former champ Michael Bisping said. “It gets in their head.”

If Chimaev throws everything in the first 10 minutes and du Plessis is still standing, the mental tide may begin to turn.

The Real Risk: What If the Secret Plan Fails?

Of course, banking on surviving Chimaev’s early storm is a dangerous game. If du Plessis gets caught in the first round, the fight may end before any secret strategy can be executed.

Chimaev’s explosive takedowns, ground-and-pound, and submission threats make him a lethal first-round finisher. Any hesitation or mistimed sprawl from du Plessis could lead to a rapid descent into Khamzat’s world—and very few make it out of there.

So while the “survive and conquer” strategy may be smart, it’s also high-risk, high-reward.

Is Khamzat Preparing for a Trap?

Sources from Chimaev’s camp in Dubai say they’re aware of the narrative that he can’t go five hard rounds. In response, Chimaev has reportedly added long-distance cardio, oxygen-deprivation training, and interval rounds with fresh sparring partners to simulate late-fight fatigue.

“We’re not just preparing for Round 1 Khamzat,” said one team member. “We’re preparing for Round 5 Khamzat. He’s ready to go all night.”

If true, this could nullify du Plessis’s late-game advantage—and turn this fight into a war of will and skill instead of just endurance.

UFC 319 in Chicago: The Perfect Setting for Fireworks

With the fight taking place in Chicago, a city known for its blue-collar toughness and gritty sports culture, UFC 319 feels like the perfect battleground for a war of attrition.

The UFC has placed all its chips on this main event, promoting it as one of the most volatile middleweight matchups in recent history. If the tension keeps building and the rumors of du Plessis’s silent strategy prove true, this could be one of the most shocking upsets—or dominant destructions—we’ve ever seen.

Will Khamzat Be Silently Destroyed?

Let’s return to the big question: Is du Plessis quietly crafting the perfect trap for one of the UFC’s most dominant forces?

It’s certainly possible. Everything from his training regimen to his media silence suggests a hyper-focused plan to expose Khamzat’s weaknesses. If that plan involves deep waters, defensive wrestling, and counter-pressure, then we may witness the night that Khamzat Chimaev finally breaks.

But that assumes he can’t adapt—and Chimaev has been proving doubters wrong since day one.

What Happens After UFC 319?

No matter who wins, the middleweight division will be forever changed. If du Plessis successfully defends, he cements his place as the undisputed king and silences any lingering criticism. A potential rematch with Israel Adesanya or a super-fight with Robert Whittaker could follow.

If Chimaev wins, the UFC may have its new mega-star—an undefeated, two-division threat with global appeal. And the talk of a potential light heavyweight move could become real.

Either way, UFC 319 will ripple across the sport for years to come.

Final Thoughts: Expect the Unexpected

Dricus du Plessis’s silent preparation may be his deadliest weapon. By removing the noise, focusing on strategy, and targeting Chimaev’s known vulnerabilities, he could pull off one of the most cerebral victories in recent UFC history.

But to do that, he’ll have to survive the lion’s den—and Chimaev is no ordinary predator.

When the cage door closes in Chicago, one thing is guaranteed: we’re going to find out if silence can destroy violence.