Khamzat Chimaev Threatens to ‘Annihilate’ Du Plessis in 1 Round: The Million-Dollar Secret Contract Behind the UFC Superfight?

UFC fans have seen bold talk before—but Khamzat Chimaev is operating on another level. Ahead of the highly anticipated UFC 319 middleweight title clash, the Chechen-born star has issued a chilling declaration aimed directly at Dricus Du Plessis:

“I will annihilate him in 1 round. He’s not ready for me.“

The statement comes as no surprise to those who’ve followed Chimaev’s meteoric rise in the UFC. Unbeaten, ruthless, and notoriously confident, Chimaev’s reputation as a destroyer inside the cage is only rivaled by his unfiltered declarations outside of it. But this time, his war cry is backed by something even more intriguing—a rumored million-dollar clause hidden in the UFC 319 contract that has the MMA world buzzing.

Is this fight just about gold, or is there a secret deal that could change everything we think we know about fighter incentives in the UFC?

Du Plessis Responds: “Let Him Try”

To his credit, Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight king, isn’t flinching. Known for his durability, grit, and ability to adapt, the South African champion responded bluntly to Chimaev’s threat:

“He’s dreaming if he thinks he’ll finish me in one round. This isn’t hype, this is war.“

Du Plessis, who shocked the world by defeating Israel Adesanya and then solidifying his reign, has made it clear he welcomes the challenge. Still, even his most loyal fans know that Chimaev is unlike anyone he’s faced. The undefeated fighter has a kill-or-be-killed mentality, and his violent style has left opponents dazed before they even understand what hit them.

But this bout might be more than just a classic striker vs. grappler or champion vs. contender showdown. It’s the rumored financial and contractual stakes that are pushing UFC 319 into mythological territory.

The Secret Million-Dollar Clause

Multiple industry insiders have hinted that Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 contract includes a unique performance bonus—a seven-figure reward if he finishes Du Plessis in under one round. While the UFC hasn’t officially confirmed this clause, whispers in the MMA underground suggest Dana White himself approved this bonus to ensure that Chimaev went “all in” for the finish.

Such a deal would mark an unprecedented moment in UFC history: a performance-based clause tied to round-specific destruction. Why would the UFC push this? It all comes down to Chimaev’s marketability and the promotion’s desire to build a global superstar.

The UFC’s Gamble on Chimaev

There’s no denying that Khamzat Chimaev is UFC’s golden child in the making. With his exotic backstory, terrifying fight style, and meme-worthy one-liners, he has the rare ability to attract both hardcore fans and casual viewers. UFC is aware of this—and is apparently willing to put money behind it.

A dominant, early KO or submission win over a respected champion like Du Plessis could catapult Chimaev into global superstardom, placing him in the same stratosphere as Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jon Jones. From a promotional standpoint, the million-dollar clause isn’t a gamble—it’s an investment.

The UFC knows that violence sells, and Chimaev is violence personified.

What Happens If He Fails?

Of course, there’s risk involved. If Chimaev doesn’t finish Du Plessis in round one—or worse, gets stopped himself—then not only does the bonus evaporate, but Chimaev’s aura takes a significant hit. An undefeated mystique is hard to build and even harder to maintain. One bad night can derail an entire marketing machine.

There’s also the mental pressure this kind of clause creates. Can Chimaev stay composed knowing there’s a million-dollar payday on the line if he ends it early? Will it push him to rush the finish and abandon strategy?

These questions will loom large as fight night approaches.

Du Plessis: The One Who Breaks The Hype Machines

Let’s not forget: Dricus Du Plessis has made a career out of proving people wrong. Against Darren Till, he was the underdog. Against Robert Whittaker, he was doubted. Against Israel Adesanya, he was expected to fall. And yet, each time, he walked out the winner.

What makes Du Plessis especially dangerous for Chimaev is his gas tank, mental resilience, and sneaky fight IQ. He lures opponents into overextending and then dismantles them. He may not have Chimaev’s aura of invincibility, but he has something even more valuable: proven ability to weather storms and turn chaos into opportunity.

If Chimaev charges out like a berserker, Du Plessis could find his moment.

Training Camps: Two Mentalities, Two Missions

Chimaev’s camp has been all about explosiveness, speed, and ground domination. Training with Allstars in Sweden and frequently visiting UAE for altitude and discipline, he’s dialed into making a first-round massacre a reality.

Meanwhile, Du Plessis has been focusing on durability, takedown defense, and late-round conditioning. Sources close to his camp say he’s treating this fight like a five-round war, expecting Chimaev to gas out if the early storm passes.

It’s a classic chess match wrapped in a gunfight: one man with a bullet, the other with armor and endurance.

Fans React: The Hype Is Nuclear

The MMA community has gone nuclear with speculation. On social media, hashtags like #ChimaevVsDuPlessis and #UFC319 are trending globally. Some fans believe Chimaev will end it in seconds; others predict Du Plessis will drag him into deep waters and drown him.

Reddit threads are dissecting every possible outcome, with fans wondering:

• “Is Chimaev overhyped?”

• “Can Du Plessis really take that kind of damage?”

• “What if Chimaev breaks his will like he did to Li Jingliang?”

The only thing everyone agrees on? UFC 319 is must-watch combat theatre.

Dana White’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Interestingly, Dana White has refused to deny or confirm the rumored million-dollar clause in Chimaev’s contract. That silence, in itself, has become part of the spectacle.

White is a master of the slow-burn tease. By letting speculation run wild, he’s essentially letting the fans sell the fight for him. Whether the contract rumors are true or not, the belief that something massive is at stake has already escalated UFC 319 into legendary status.

What’s Really on the Line?

It’s more than just a title. It’s more than just a million dollars. This fight will decide the next phase of UFC’s global direction.

If Chimaev wins dominantly, he becomes the face of international MMA. His mystique gets locked in, and the UFC can take him to Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Russia, and beyond.

If Du Plessis survives and retains, he solidifies his status as the hype-breaker, the champion who took down the most feared prospect in years—and opens the door for superfights against the likes of Sean Strickland or Adesanya again.

Either way, UFC 319 could define the next five years of the middleweight division.

Final Prediction: Will It End in One?

So, can Chimaev deliver on his terrifying promise? Will the “1-round annihilation” become UFC history, or just another pre-fight headline that aged badly?

No one knows for sure. But if there’s one thing MMA teaches us, it’s this: When a man like Khamzat says he’s coming for your head, you better be ready.

And if there’s one man crazy and tough enough to withstand it, it just might be Dricus Du Plessis.