Dricus Du Plessis Vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Du Plessis’ Key To Victory Lies In Round 5, But If Khamzat Chokes Him Before Round 3, Only The Ref Can Stop It!

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A Clash of Styles, A War of Attrition

The UFC is set for one of its most highly anticipated middleweight showdowns—Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev. Two of the most dangerous fighters in the division are set to collide in a fight that could shape the future of the UFC middleweight title picture.

image_67e0e6f6efa73 Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Du Plessis’ Key to Victory Lies in Round 5, But If Khamzat Chokes Him Before Round 3, Only the Ref Can Stop It!

This fight is more than just a contest between two elite competitors; it’s a battle of contrasting styles, endurance, and sheer dominance. On one side, Dricus Du Plessis, the relentless South African warrior, has proven that his pressure, durability, and heart make him a nightmare in the later rounds. On the other, Khamzat Chimaev, a ferocious grappling machine, has demolished nearly everyone in his path within the first two rounds.

The question is simple:

Can Du Plessis survive the early storm and take over in the championship rounds?
Or will Khamzat choke him out before Round 3, leaving only the referee to stop the inevitable destruction?

Let’s break down the keys to victory, strengths, weaknesses, and what makes this fight a potential Fight of the Year contender.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Late-Round Terminator

Why Du Plessis’ Strength Lies in Round 5

If there’s one thing we know about Dricus Du Plessis, it’s that he thrives in the later rounds when his opponents begin to fade. His incredible gas tank, unorthodox striking, and overwhelming pressure have allowed him to drown elite fighters in deep waters.

Cardio and Endurance – Du Plessis is a fighter who gets stronger as the fight progresses. He has shown time and time again that he can push a brutal pace, outlasting his opponents even when they seem to have the upper hand early.

Unorthodox Striking – His stand-up may not be the cleanest, but his awkward striking style is deceptively effective. His odd angles and willingness to take risks make him unpredictable.

Durability and Heart – Du Plessis has never been finished in the UFC, and his iron chin has allowed him to walk through devastating shots that would drop most fighters.

Game Plan: Weather the Storm, Then Take Over

For Du Plessis, the game plan is simple—survive the first two rounds. Chimaev is a wrecking ball in the opening minutes, but his stamina has been questioned in past fights.

Here’s how Du Plessis can secure victory:

Survive the early grappling exchanges – Khamzat will undoubtedly come out aggressive, looking for takedowns. Du Plessis needs to stay composed and avoid being overwhelmed.

Keep moving and make Chimaev work – The more Chimaev is forced to exert energy early, the better for Du Plessis. Constant movement and defensive wrestling are key.

Drag the fight into deep waters – By Round 4 or 5, if Khamzat slows down, Du Plessis’ cardio will allow him to pour on the pressure and take control.

Avoid unnecessary risks early – While Du Plessis loves to engage in wild exchanges, doing so against Khamzat too soon could lead to a disastrous early finish.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Early Round Executioner

Why Khamzat Can End It Before Round 3

Khamzat Chimaev has built his reputation on absolute dominance. His wrestling, suffocating top control, and raw aggression make him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. If this fight stays within the first two rounds, it’s Chimaev’s to lose.

World-Class Wrestling – Chimaev has manhandled opponents with ease, rag-dolling elite grapplers and strikers alike. His ability to chain-wrestle and control his opponents is almost unmatched.

Explosive Finishing Ability – Whether it’s a submission or ground-and-pound, Chimaev doesn’t just take fighters down—he finishes them quickly.

Relentless Pressure – Once Khamzat gets on top, it’s nearly impossible to escape. His smothering top control, combined with violent ground-and-pound, has overwhelmed nearly everyone he has faced.

Game Plan: Dominate, Choke, and Finish Early

For Chimaev, the strategy is clear—do what he always does: maul his opponent early and end it quickly.

Here’s how Khamzat can secure another dominant win:

Explosive start – Chimaev doesn’t waste time. Expect him to shoot for a takedown within the first 30 seconds.

Use his superior grappling – If Khamzat gets on top early, he must capitalize immediately. He can’t let Du Plessis work his way back into the fight.

Secure the submission – The rear-naked choke has been one of Khamzat’s go-to moves. If he gets Du Plessis’ back, expect him to lock in a choke and force the tap.

Avoid unnecessary striking exchanges – While Chimaev’s striking is powerful, standing and trading with Du Plessis for too long could be dangerous.

The X-Factors: What Could Swing the Fight?

This fight has two major X-factors that could determine the outcome:

1. Chimaev’s Gas Tank

We’ve seen glimpses of Khamzat slowing down in the past. His fight against Gilbert Burns showed that he could be pushed into deeper waters. If Du Plessis survives the first three rounds, Khamzat’s gas tank will be a huge question mark.

2. Du Plessis’ Takedown Defense

If Du Plessis can somehow stuff Khamzat’s early takedowns, this fight completely changes. He doesn’t need to outwrestle Chimaev, but he does need to make him work hard.

Predictions: Who Has the Edge?

This fight is a true clash of styles, and the outcome will depend on which fighter executes their game plan better.

If Chimaev gets an early takedown → He likely wins by submission before Round 3.
If Du Plessis survives into Round 4 or 5 → He has a great chance to take over and win.

MMA Experts’ Predictions

Daniel Cormier: “If Chimaev doesn’t finish Du Plessis early, he’s in trouble. The later this fight goes, the more I lean towards Dricus.”

Michael Bisping: “Khamzat is a beast, but he’s never fought someone like Du Plessis. If he can’t finish him in two rounds, I think Dricus outlasts him.”

Chael Sonnen: “It’s a coin flip. If Khamzat chokes him out early, it’s over. If not, we’re in for a wild finish.”