Khamzat Chimaev Is Predicted to Be Du Plessis’s Most Brutal Challenger at UFC 319: Who Will Survive?

The middleweight division has always been one of the UFC’s most unpredictable weight classes, but UFC 319 may mark a pivotal turning point. Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated juggernaut of the division, is now officially set to challenge Dricus Du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight Championship. The bout is already being described by fans and experts as a collision course of violence, and for good reason.

While Du Plessis has proven doubters wrong at every turn, Chimaev brings a level of ferocity, pressure, and unpredictability that the South African champion has yet to face. Their showdown at UFC 319 will not just determine the best middleweight in the world—it will also crown the most dangerous.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Relentless and Unorthodox Champion

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has made a career out of shocking the world. From his underdog victory over Robert Whittaker to his grueling title win against Sean Strickland, Du Plessis has defied all expectations. With a 21-2 professional record and an unorthodox style, he brings constant pressure and awkward angles that unsettle even the most technical opponents.

Despite being criticized early in his UFC tenure for his perceived lack of athleticism and technique, Du Plessis has steadily built a reputation as one of the toughest and most durable fighters on the roster. His pace, power, and belief in himself are unmatched.

But now, he’s up against a different beast.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Destroyer

Since arriving in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev has been nothing short of sensational. At 13-0, the Chechen-born Swede has finished 11 of his opponents and has taken the fight world by storm. His savage beatdowns of opponents like Li Jingliang and Kevin Holland, coupled with a dogfight against Gilbert Burns, showcased both his dominance and grit.

Chimaev’s style is predicated on relentless pressure, elite wrestling, and explosive striking. He doesn’t let opponents breathe. From the moment the cage door closes, Chimaev sprints across the Octagon and overwhelms his adversaries with his physicality.

What makes him even more dangerous is his versatility—he can wrestle for 25 minutes or knock you out with one punch. And now, he wants gold.

What Makes This Fight So Compelling

This fight isn’t just a title defense. It’s a battle for supremacy between chaos and control. Both fighters thrive in pressure-cooker situations, but they approach it differently:

• Chimaev dominates the early minutes with pressure and takedowns, often controlling opponents and draining their will.

• Du Plessis absorbs, adapts, and turns fights around with brutal combinations and forward pressure.

Their styles are destined to clash violently.

Can Du Plessis Handle Chimaev’s Pressure?

One of the biggest questions heading into UFC 319 is whether Du Plessis can survive the early storm that Chimaev always brings. Few have managed to endure the first round against “Borz” without being either submitted or savagely beaten.

But Du Plessis isn’t just “any fighter.” He has survived deep waters before and has one of the highest cardio outputs in the division. He isn’t afraid of blood, chaos, or adversity. In fact, he seems to thrive in the madness.

However, if Chimaev’s wrestling dominance nullifies Du Plessis’s rhythm early on, the fight could quickly turn into a one-sided affair.

The Gilbert Burns Blueprint

Chimaev’s one glaring vulnerability came during his fight with Gilbert Burns in 2022. In a wild back-and-forth war, Chimaev was hurt, slowed down, and showed signs of exhaustion. While he still won by decision, the fight gave future opponents a blueprint—survive the initial assault, make it ugly, and take him into deep waters.

Du Plessis is arguably the perfect man to execute this strategy. His pace doesn’t slow, and his chin has held up against massive power punchers. If he can extend the fight to the third round and beyond, the momentum may shift in his favor.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Deep Dive

Chimaev’s Strengths:

• Elite grappling: Dominates with wrestling and positional control.

• High-pressure starts: Smothers opponents early with takedowns and strikes.

• Unpredictability: Switches from striking to grappling seamlessly.

Chimaev’s Weaknesses:

• Cardio under pressure: Struggled with pacing in the Burns fight.

• Overaggression: Can be drawn into brawls that reduce efficiency.

Du Plessis’s Strengths:

• Cardio and pace: Maintains forward pressure for all five rounds.

• Unorthodox striking: Difficult to read and absorbs damage well.

• Mental toughness: Has thrived in underdog roles.

Du Plessis’s Weaknesses:

• Takedown defense: Hasn’t faced a wrestler of Chimaev’s caliber.

• Openings in striking: Can be countered during wild exchanges.

What’s at Stake at UFC 319?

This fight is more than just a middleweight title clash. It’s a narrative-defining moment for both men.

• For Du Plessis, a win validates his title reign and silences critics who call him “lucky” or “awkward.”

• For Chimaev, a win marks the fulfillment of years of hype and expectations. It launches him into superstardom and sets up potential superfights at middleweight or even light heavyweight.

Whoever emerges victorious from this battle will not just hold the belt—they will hold the division’s future in their hands.

The Role of Fight IQ

While both fighters are known for their aggression, fight IQ could decide this bout. Can Chimaev manage his cardio better and not get lured into a war? Can Du Plessis avoid the early takedown attempts and keep the fight on the feet?

If Chimaev is strategic, mixes in striking with grappling, and avoids a brawl, he could control the tempo. If Du Plessis turns the Octagon into chaos and forces Chimaev to fight tired, he could score a massive finish in the championship rounds.

X-Factor: The Mental Game

Both fighters are mentally tough, but confidence can either fuel or ruin a fighter. Chimaev has looked nearly unbeatable but hasn’t been tested in a five-round title fight. Du Plessis, on the other hand, has never faced someone as explosive or as dangerous in the opening minutes as Chimaev.

The ability to remain composed, follow the game plan, and avoid ego-driven exchanges will be critical.

Fan Hype and Global Attention

This fight isn’t just for hardcore fans—UFC 319 is trending as one of the biggest cards of the year. Social media is ablaze with predictions, highlight reels, and debates. Whether you’re Team Chimaev or Team Du Plessis, this matchup has every ingredient for an instant classic.

UFC President Dana White has already teased massive implications for the winner, including potential superfights, crossover opportunities, and Pay-Per-View headlining status.

Prediction: Who Will Survive the Carnage at UFC 319?

If Chimaev can take Du Plessis down early and maintain control, the fight may not last long. A first- or second-round submission is possible. But if Du Plessis gets through the first storm, his odds increase dramatically.

Prediction:

• If the fight ends in Round 1 or 2: Chimaev wins via submission or TKO.

• If it reaches Round 4 or 5: Du Plessis wins by TKO or decision.

Ultimately, this fight may come down to one thing: Who wants it more when things get ugly?

Conclusion: A Legacy Fight in the Making

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 isn’t just a title fight—it’s a clash of wills, a test of toughness, and a battle to decide the new face of the UFC middleweight division. With everything on the line—pride, power, legacy—expect fireworks from the opening bell.

No matter who wins, fans are guaranteed a night of violence, intensity, and drama. So buckle up.

Because someone’s unbeaten run, title reign, or myth is ending—and it’s going to be brutal.