Khamzat Chimaev Threatens to ‘Crush’ Dricus Du Plessis in 1 Round: But does the Wolf have enough stamina to fight for 5 rounds, or will he pull out again like 6 times before and disappoint the fans?

The MMA world is buzzing with anticipation, speculation, and controversy as Khamzat Chimaev once again steps into the limelight. Known for his aggressive style and ruthless finishes, the undefeated Chechen-born fighter has promised to “crush” Dricus Du Plessis in just one round at UFC 317. But the question on every fan’s mind isn’t just about his power—it’s about his stamina, reliability, and whether he can truly go the distance.

Chimaev’s recent callout has sparked both excitement and skepticism. On one hand, his unbeaten record and highlight-reel performances have cemented his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the middleweight division. On the other hand, his history of pulling out of fights due to injuries and illnesses has made fans cautious, if not doubtful.

The ‘Wolf’s’ Dominant Rise

Khamzat Chimaev, often referred to as “Borz” (which translates to “wolf” in Chechen), burst onto the UFC scene with unmatched momentum. He fought twice within 10 days in July 2020, finishing both opponents in dominant fashion and setting a record for the quickest turnaround between UFC wins. His wrestling-heavy approach, combined with devastating ground-and-pound, left fans and analysts in awe.

However, his meteoric rise was soon overshadowed by health concerns. After contracting COVID-19 in late 2020, Chimaev faced severe complications, even briefly announcing his retirement. He eventually returned to action, but his sporadic appearances since then have left many questioning whether he can maintain a consistent schedule.

Will UFC 317 Be Any Different?

Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion, is not a fighter to underestimate. With wins over Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, Du Plessis has proven himself as a tactical striker with surprising durability. He’s faced adversity in the Octagon and come out on top, showing both grit and adaptability.

For Chimaev, UFC 317 is more than just another fight—it’s a test of legitimacy. He has faced top contenders like Gilbert Burns, in what was arguably his most difficult outing, barely edging out a decision victory. Critics pointed out that Chimaev’s gas tank looked depleted in the later rounds, which raises red flags when preparing for a five-round championship bout.

Concerns Over Conditioning

One of the biggest concerns for Chimaev heading into this title bout is his cardio. While his explosive starts often lead to early finishes, his ability to maintain a high pace for 25 minutes remains unproven. Against Burns, Chimaev showed vulnerability under pressure, especially as the fight went into deep waters.

If Du Plessis can survive the early onslaught, he might find opportunities to capitalize on Chimaev’s declining energy. Du Plessis is known for his second-half resilience. Fighters like him tend to get stronger as the fight progresses, while Chimaev’s high-octane style might backfire if he doesn’t secure an early finish.

A History of Fight Cancellations

Beyond questions of cardio and endurance, Chimaev’s track record of pulling out of fights adds another layer of uncertainty. In the past few years, Chimaev has withdrawn from six scheduled bouts due to various reasons—ranging from health issues to undisclosed injuries. Fans are understandably hesitant to fully invest in the hype until he consistently makes it to the Octagon.

The UFC has had to scramble multiple times to reshuffle cards when Chimaev pulled out. This not only affects his opponents but also the promotion’s credibility. While Dana White continues to back Chimaev, even the UFC president has shown frustration at the repeated disruptions caused by Chimaev’s absences.

What Happens If He Wins?

Should Chimaev deliver on his promise and defeat Du Plessis, the landscape of the middleweight division would change dramatically. A dominant win would likely catapult him into superstardom, opening up possible superfights with the likes of Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, or even a move up to light heavyweight.

But that’s a big “if.” To get there, Chimaev needs not only to show up on fight night but also prove he can go the full five rounds if necessary. Anything less will only reinforce the doubts that have lingered over his career.

Du Plessis: Underdog or Tactical Genius?

While many fans and oddsmakers view Du Plessis as the underdog, the South African has a knack for shocking the MMA world. He upset Robert Whittaker and outpointed Strickland when few thought he could. His awkward yet effective striking and high fight IQ make him a unique challenge.

If he can weather the early storm, Du Plessis might have the perfect game plan to wear down and eventually defeat Chimaev. The key will be staying composed and using footwork to avoid getting trapped against the cage. If the fight goes beyond round three, momentum could start shifting dramatically.

The Fans’ Perspective: Excitement Mixed with Doubt

The MMA community remains divided. Hardcore Chimaev supporters believe the “Wolf” is the future of the division and possibly the pound-for-pound king in waiting. Others, however, are tired of the broken promises and canceled bouts.

Social media is filled with memes, jokes, and speculations about whether Chimaev will even make it to the Octagon at UFC 317. The phrase “He’ll pull out again” has become a running joke among some fans, highlighting the damage inconsistency can do to a fighter’s public image.

Conclusion: Prove It or Lose It

Khamzat Chimaev finds himself at a crossroads. UFC 317 is his chance to silence the critics, prove his stamina, and show the world that he belongs at the top of the middleweight food chain. But with Dricus Du Plessis standing in his way, the path is anything but easy.

Chimaev has made bold claims before, and if he can back them up with a decisive win, the MMA landscape will shift. But if he falters—either by gassing out or pulling out—then the doubts surrounding his name will only grow louder. One thing’s for sure: UFC 317 won’t be short on drama.

Whether it ends in a stunning first-round finish or a grueling five-round war, the outcome of Chimaev vs. Du Plessis will define the next chapter in both fighters’ careers.