Dricus Du Plessis Unfazed by Chimaev’s Aggression: “Let’s Go Full Speed”

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis isn’t shying away from the chaos Khamzat Chimaev brings to the octagon. The South African powerhouse not only expects the Chechen-born star’s trademark aggression but openly welcomes it. As the two prepare to headline UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago, Du Plessis is making it clear — if Chimaev plans to go full throttle, he’ll gladly do the same.

The matchup is one of the most anticipated fights of the year, pitting two undefeated UFC records against one another in the middleweight division. For Du Plessis, it’s a test of endurance, skill, and willpower — and he’s eager to find out who breaks first.

Du Plessis Embraces the Challenge Ahead

From the moment the opening bell rings, Khamzat Chimaev has built his career on suffocating pressure. Whether it’s an immediate takedown attempt or a barrage of strikes, the undefeated contender forces opponents into defensive mode. It’s a style that has overwhelmed some of the sport’s toughest names, but Du Plessis believes that playing on the back foot is exactly what leads to defeat.

The champion, boasting a 23-2 MMA record with nine UFC wins, knows that five rounds at championship pace is a different kind of war. Chimaev, despite his flawless 14-0 professional record, has fought a full five rounds only twice — against Kevin Holland at UFC 279 and Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Both ended in the first round, leaving lingering doubts about Chimaev’s gas tank when forced to go deep into a fight.

Du Plessis, on the other hand, has been there before. He’s gone the distance in two championship bouts, grinding through 25-minute battles where fatigue becomes the silent opponent. His plan for UFC 319? Test Chimaev’s endurance like never before.

“I’m going out there to fight the way I fight and see what happens,” Du Plessis said during media day. “Five rounds is a long time, and I am not scared to get into that dark place. If we go full speed, I can fight tired all day. So, let’s go for it from the first bell to the last.”

Preparing for Chimaev’s Wrestling Storm

It’s no secret where Chimaev’s strengths lie — his elite wrestling and relentless grappling game. From the moment he closes the distance, he’s looking to change levels and drag opponents to the mat. For most fighters, the fear of being taken down dominates their thinking, forcing them to fight reactively instead of proactively.

Du Plessis refuses to make that mistake. He has studied how other opponents froze in anticipation of Chimaev’s takedown attempts, only to get caught regardless.

“A lot of guys have made the mistake of going in saying, ‘I need to watch out for the shot,’ and then they end up doing nothing until he gets them down anyway,” Du Plessis explained. “I understand he’s really good at wrestling and on the ground, but this is MMA — you still have to fight.”

Instead of running from the wrestling exchanges, Du Plessis plans to engage. He believes his own takedown skills can surprise Chimaev and force him into defensive situations.

“Yes, he’s going to shoot, and yes, he’s probably going to take me down,” Du Plessis admitted. “But I’m going to shoot too, and I’m probably going to take him down. I’m going to strike, and I’m probably going to hit him. He’ll hit me too, and that’s fine. I’m not scared of any of that.”

The Mental Battle of Five Rounds

While the physical demands of a title fight are immense, Du Plessis sees the mental warfare as equally critical. Chimaev’s aggressive style works best when opponents crumble under the pressure. If the champion can weather the early storm, he believes the tide could turn drastically in the later rounds.

Du Plessis pointed out that Chimaev did not alter his approach against Robert Whittaker in their five-round fight at UFC 308, suggesting he may not be preparing specifically for a drawn-out battle. “That tells me he’s not thinking about the five rounds when he should be,” Du Plessis said. “I thrive in that kind of fight. I’ve been there before.”

By maintaining composure and sticking to his own offensive plan, Du Plessis aims to force Chimaev into uncomfortable territory — where fatigue starts to erode the explosiveness that makes him so dangerous.

Training Camp Focus: Wrestling Defense Without Fear

Although Du Plessis has placed a heavy emphasis on defending takedowns during camp, he insists that preparation isn’t about avoiding the fight Chimaev wants. It’s about having the tools ready when needed while still bringing the fight on his own terms.

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

The South African’s game plan is to mix his striking with his own grappling offense, making Chimaev second-guess every move. By doing so, he hopes to break the rhythm that has carried Chimaev to an undefeated UFC record.

Why UFC 319 Could Be Fight of the Year

The stylistic clash between Du Plessis and Chimaev has all the ingredients of a classic. Chimaev’s early explosiveness versus Du Plessis’ measured, relentless pace creates the potential for momentum swings that could keep fans on the edge of their seats.

If Chimaev manages to secure an early finish, it will reaffirm his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in MMA. But if Du Plessis drags him into deep waters, the fight could become a showcase of heart, grit, and endurance.

Both fighters are undefeated in the UFC, adding a layer of intrigue to the matchup. The outcome won’t just decide the middleweight championship — it could redefine the division’s pecking order for years to come.

Du Plessis’ Final Words Before UFC 319

Heading into fight night, Dricus Du Plessis isn’t just defending his belt; he’s defending the mindset that champions must adapt to any challenge. Whether the fight ends in a whirlwind first round or a grueling 25-minute war, he promises to meet Chimaev head-on.

“I’m not scared to get hit, I’m not scared to get taken down,” Du Plessis said. “This is MMA — it’s a fight. From the first bell to the last, I’m ready to go.”

As UFC 319 approaches, the anticipation is at an all-time high. In Chicago’s United Center, fans will witness whether Du Plessis’ confidence and preparation are enough to halt Chimaev’s meteoric rise — or if the relentless contender will crown himself the new king of the middleweights.

One thing is certain: when the cage door closes, there will be no holding back.