Khamzat Chimaev Vs. Dricus Du Plessis: Dana White Confirms UFC Super Fight in the USA – Will ‘Borz’ Snatch the Golden Belt or Will Du Plessis Hold the Throne?

In one of the most electrifying announcements of the year, UFC President Dana White has officially confirmed a middleweight title superfight between undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev and reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis. Slated to take place in the United States—potentially during the coveted International Fight Week in July—this blockbuster clash has fans and fighters alike on edge. The stakes? UFC gold, pound-for-pound status, and the chance to define an era in the middleweight division.

Let’s break down the full context, the fighters’ trajectories, the clash of styles, and the impact this historic fight could have on the sport of MMA.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Relentless Predator Stalking UFC Gold

Khamzat Chimaev, also known as “Borz,” has captivated the MMA world with his unmatched ferocity inside the Octagon. With a perfect professional record of 14-0, including a flawless 8-0 UFC run, Chimaev is no stranger to hype. But unlike many rising stars, his performances have exceeded the hype every single time.

Born in Chechnya and fighting out of Sweden, Chimaev combines elite wrestling, smothering pressure, and raw knockout power. His rapid victories over Gerald Meerschaert, Kevin Holland, and Gilbert Burns catapulted him into stardom. But it was his recent first-round submission over Robert Whittaker—a former champion and top-ranked contender—that finally earned him the undisputed No. 1 contender spot.

Chimaev has often been described as a hybrid between Khabib Nurmagomedov’s grappling control and Conor McGregor’s knockout threat. He doesn’t just win—he overwhelms and breaks his opponents mentally and physically.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Underdog Champion Who Defied the Odds

When Dricus Du Plessis entered the UFC, few predicted he’d rise to the top of the middleweight throne so quickly. Yet, the South African brawler has silenced doubters with each appearance. With a record of 22-2, Du Plessis has now won eight straight UFC fights, defeating elite names like Darren Till, Derek Brunson, and most notably, Sean Strickland to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 297.

Unlike flashy strikers or flamboyant personalities, Du Plessis wins with grit, cardio, and an awkwardly effective striking style. He blends pressure fighting, powerful hooks, and a surprisingly deep gas tank to outlast and wear down top-level opposition.

After defending his title in a rematch with Strickland at UFC 312, Du Plessis made it clear that his next goal was to eliminate any doubt about his dominance. And there’s no better opponent to do that against than Khamzat Chimaev—the undefeated killer everyone is afraid of.

“To be the best, you have to beat the most feared man in the division. That’s Khamzat,” Du Plessis said. “This is my era now.”

The Hype Around This UFC Super Fight

The bout between Chimaev and Du Plessis is more than a title defense—it’s a symbolic clash of philosophies and styles. It’s wrestling pressure vs. relentless durability, perfection vs. perseverance, and smash talk vs. silent storm.

UFC President Dana White acknowledged the magnitude of the matchup when he announced it:

“This is the fight fans have been waiting for. Khamzat’s rise has been nothing short of terrifying, and Du Plessis has beaten everyone they’ve put in front of him. Now, we find out who the real king is.”

The UFC is planning this fight for a massive U.S. card, potentially headlining International Fight Week 2025. With both fighters undefeated in the promotion, the anticipation is sky-high. The winner may even be in line for a double-champ opportunity, especially as Du Plessis has teased a potential move to light heavyweight to challenge Alex Pereira.

Chimaev’s Strengths: Pressure, Power, and Precision

Chimaev’s dominance stems from his ability to blend high-level wrestling with devastating ground-and-pound. Once he closes the distance, it becomes a matter of survival for his opponents. His top control is suffocating, and his ability to finish fights early is unmatched.

Key stats:

• Significant strikes absorbed per minute: Under 1.5

• Takedown accuracy: Over 60%

• Submission average per 15 minutes: 2.5+

But it’s not just his grappling that wins fights—Chimaev can stand and bang when necessary. His war with Gilbert Burns proved that he can dig deep and rally, even when pushed into the trenches.

Du Plessis’s Strengths: Durability, Chaos, and Comeback Power

While Du Plessis may not have the same aura of invincibility, he thrives in the unpredictable. His awkward footwork, looping punches, and ability to absorb damage give him an edge against technically superior fighters. He breaks them with volume, pace, and belief.

Key stats:

• Strikes landed per minute: Over 5.5

• Takedown defense: 84%

• Third-round win percentage: One of the highest among active middleweights

Critics have often underestimated his style, calling it “sloppy” or “unorthodox,” but that unorthodoxy has worked wonders against top-tier fighters. Against Chimaev, Du Plessis will look to drag the fight into deep waters and test the Chechen’s cardio like never before.

Tactical Breakdown: Who Has the Edge?

Early rounds favor Chimaev. If he’s able to take Du Plessis down early and unleash his ground-and-pound, he could end the fight within two rounds. But Du Plessis is not easy to control, and if he survives the initial storm, the momentum could shift.

Cardio and pace lean toward Du Plessis. We’ve seen Chimaev slow down in high-volume fights, while Du Plessis often gets stronger as the fight progresses.

Power and precision give Chimaev a slight edge. But durability and recovery favor Du Plessis. If this fight reaches rounds four or five, the champion might start taking over.

“Chimaev will come at me like a bear. But when the dust settles, I’ll still be standing—and he won’t,” Du Plessis warned.

Bold Predictions and UFC History on the Line

If Chimaev wins, he will become one of the fastest fighters in UFC history to win a belt. He’ll also likely call out either Leon Edwards at welterweight or Alex Pereira at light heavyweight, setting up a potential run at double-champ status.

If Du Plessis retains, it will silence the critics who doubted his legitimacy. It could launch a new chapter in UFC history where a South African champion reigns supreme and eventually steps up to test himself across multiple divisions.

For both men, this is a legacy-defining moment.