If Dricus survives the first round – will Khamzat fall into real hell?

The UFC middleweight division is set for a seismic collision on August 16 at UFC 319 in Chicago, where Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against the undefeated juggernaut Khamzat Chimaev. With both fighters known for vastly different fighting styles and mindsets, the bout represents a classic case of endurance vs explosion. Among those intrigued by the matchup is rising UFC contender Muhammad Mokaev, who believes du Plessis could pose a serious challenge—but only if he survives the first round.

Muhammad Mokaev’s Take: du Plessis Must Weather the Storm

Muhammad Mokaev, a surging flyweight contender and intelligent student of the game, has added his insight to the growing debate over how this fight might unfold. According to Mokaev, Chimaev’s explosive style makes him extremely dangerous early, but could become a liability in the later rounds if Dricus du Plessis manages to endure the initial onslaught.

“If du Plessis gets out of the first round, I believe it’s his fight to win,” Mokaev stated. “Chimaev puts out a crazy amount of energy early. If he doesn’t get the finish, du Plessis’s strength and pressure can take over.”

It’s a calculated take from a fighter who understands the demands of championship-level pacing. Mokaev’s perspective adds weight to a debate that has fans and analysts split down the middle.

Khamzat Chimaev: Speed, Wrestling, and Ruthless Pressure

There’s no denying that Khamzat Chimaev has made waves in the UFC due to his overwhelming dominance and ability to finish fights in explosive fashion. With an undefeated record and victories across multiple weight classes, Chimaev’s resume includes a UFC record: two wins in just 10 days.

Chimaev’s path of destruction includes first-round stoppages and dominant grappling performances. His speed, wrestling transitions, and pressure-heavy style make him a nightmare matchup for anyone. But it’s that very relentless pace that may backfire in a five-round fight against a tank like du Plessis.

“We’ve never really seen Chimaev go deep into a fight against someone who keeps coming forward,” said a UFC analyst. “That’s where the danger lies.”

Dricus du Plessis: Built for the Long Haul

While Chimaev’s strength lies in blitzing opponents, Dricus du Plessis thrives in fights that require grit, toughness, and gas-tank efficiency. He’s not just a brawler—he’s a tactician who grinds down his foes over time.

Du Plessis has shown championship-level durability, notably defeating Sean Strickland twice in grueling five-round wars. Those fights weren’t just wins—they were tests of heart and willpower, with du Plessis proving he can absorb punishment, recover, and pressure opponents into breaking.

“Dricus is like a diesel engine,” one coach said. “He might take time to warm up, but once he gets going, it’s hard to stop him.”

If Chimaev can’t finish the fight early, du Plessis will likely start imposing his will in rounds three, four, and five—territory where few have tested Chimaev before.

By the Numbers: A Tale of Two Fighters

Let’s look at the tale of the tape and what the stats reveal:

• Dricus du Plessis has gone the full five rounds in multiple fights, showing he can maintain pressure and cardio deep into title bouts.

• Khamzat Chimaev has finished most of his fights in the first or second round, and has yet to fight into deep championship waters consistently.

• Du Plessis averages 6.76 significant strikes per minute, while absorbing 3.70.

• Chimaev boasts a staggering 3.98 takedowns per 15 minutes, with an 80% takedown accuracy.

These stats underscore the stylistic clash: Chimaev’s front-loaded power vs du Plessis’s back-end pressure.

Contrasting Styles Make for a Compelling Matchup

The beauty of this fight lies in the stark contrast between the two men’s approaches. Chimaev is all about speed, chaos, and early dominance, using rapid transitions and relentless wrestling to overwhelm opponents before they can settle into a rhythm.

Meanwhile, du Plessis represents composure under fire. He doesn’t panic when the heat is on. Instead, he absorbs, adapts, and finds a way to keep applying pressure. He has been rocked, bloodied, and dragged through wars—but he’s emerged victorious by refusing to wilt.

This dichotomy of styles sets the stage for a battle of momentum. If Chimaev wins the early rounds convincingly or finds a finish, his path to the title becomes straightforward. But if du Plessis makes it to Round 3 unscathed, the tide may turn dramatically.

UFC 319 in Chicago: A Title Fight That Could Define the Division

The stakes at UFC 319 are monumental. With du Plessis defending his middleweight crown and Chimaev looking to claim gold in just his seventh UFC bout, the implications are massive.

Chicago will serve as the battleground for what could be the most explosive title fight of the year. Fan interest has surged, with social media buzzing over every detail—training camps, sparring footage, and pre-fight interviews.

This isn’t just a title defense—it’s a stylistic chess match with legacy implications.

What Happens If Chimaev Can’t Finish Early?

That’s the looming question surrounding this matchup. While Chimaev’s speed and power are undeniable, his ability to sustain that pace over five rounds remains untested.

If du Plessis weathers the first-round storm, here’s what could happen:

• Chimaev’s cardio is pushed to the brink, and he slows significantly.

• Du Plessis takes control in clinch and scramble scenarios, using his weight and strength to reverse positions.

• Momentum shifts dramatically in the championship rounds, favoring du Plessis’s durability and conditioning.

And in a close fight, the judges may reward the fighter who dominates the later rounds—a scenario where du Plessis has historically thrived.

The Mental Game: Who Breaks First?

Championship fights often come down to who breaks first—not just physically, but mentally. Chimaev has never been in serious danger in the UFC. What happens when someone like du Plessis refuses to fold?

The South African champion is mentally unshakeable, which could frustrate Chimaev if his early attempts to dominate don’t yield results. On the flip side, if Chimaev maintains composure and adapts, he could prove he’s more than just a fast starter—he could prove he’s a complete fighter.

Training Camps: Clues to Strategy

Both fighters are reportedly undergoing intense preparation. Du Plessis is rumored to be focused on wrestling defense and cardio drilling, knowing full well what’s coming in Round 1.

Chimaev, meanwhile, has been working on long-duration sparring sessions and strike selection efficiency, possibly in response to the criticism of his pacing.

Coaches from both camps have remained tight-lipped, but insiders suggest this could be the most strategic fight of both men’s careers.

What’s Next for the Winner?

The winner of this fight will be cemented as the face of the middleweight division. For Chimaev, a win would fulfill the prophecy that he’s a once-in-a-generation talent. For du Plessis, it would validate his reign and silence any doubters still clinging to the idea that he’s just a brawler.

There’s also the looming presence of Israel Adesanya, who remains a top contender and a potential blockbuster matchup for whoever holds the belt after UFC 319.

Final Prediction: Who Has the Edge?

If you believe in explosiveness, wrestling dominance, and fast finishes, Khamzat Chimaev is your guy. If you believe in durability, heart, and late-round resilience, Dricus du Plessis is your champion.

This is the kind of fight that reminds us why we love MMA—it’s unpredictable, emotional, and technically complex. Whether it ends in Round 1 or goes all five, UFC 319 is destined to be unforgettable.