OFFICIAL: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Set as the Main Event for UFC 317!

A Clash of Titans: Middleweight Gold on the Line

The UFC 317 main event has officially been set, and it’s a fight that has MMA fans buzzing with excitement. The reigning UFC Middleweight Champion, Dricus Du Plessis, is set to defend his title against the undefeated wrecking machine, Khamzat Chimaev.

For months, speculation ran wild about who would be next for Du Plessis, especially after his grueling title-winning performance against Sean Strickland. Meanwhile, Chimaev, who has torn through multiple weight classes, has been demanding his shot at UFC gold. Now, the promotion has granted his wish.

With Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and unbreakable will colliding with Chimaev’s ferocious grappling and sheer power, this fight promises to be one of the most explosive middleweight title bouts in recent history.

But who holds the edge? Will Du Plessis prove that his championship reign is no fluke, or will Chimaev smash his way to the top?

Let’s dive deep into the fighters’ backgrounds, styles, key factors for victory, and what this fight means for the future of the division.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Unorthodox Champion Who Defied the Odds

A Journey of Relentless Determination

Dricus Du Plessis’ rise to the UFC Middleweight Championship was anything but conventional. The South African fighter wasn’t the UFC’s top pick for the belt. Many counted him out when he entered the octagon against former champions like Robert Whittaker, yet time and time again, he shocked the world with his relentless pace and awkward but effective fighting style.

With a background in kickboxing and judo, Du Plessis has developed into a well-rounded, high-pressure fighter who thrives in chaotic exchanges. His fights are rarely clean technical battles—he drags opponents into deep waters, where his cardio, durability, and relentless pace break them down.

Recent Fights: How He Became Champion

• Defeated Robert Whittaker via TKO (UFC 290) – A stunning upset that earned him a title shot.

• Won the Middleweight Championship against Sean Strickland (UFC 297) – A five-round war that solidified him as the new king of 185.

Though some critics have questioned his unorthodox striking and defensive flaws, Du Plessis has repeatedly proved that his style works against the division’s best.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Unbreakable Willpower – He can take a beating and keep pressing forward.
Relentless Pressure – His non-stop attack forces opponents to fight at his pace.
Underrated Ground Game – A strong submission threat when needed.

Defensive Holes – He eats a lot of unnecessary shots, which could be a problem against Chimaev.
Sometimes Reckless – His wild, aggressive style could leave him vulnerable.

Du Plessis may not be the cleanest striker or the best grappler, but he finds ways to win. Against Khamzat Chimaev, though, he’ll be facing a level of wrestling pressure he’s never seen before.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Destroyer’s Biggest Test Yet

A Fighter Unlike Any Other

Khamzat Chimaev has built a reputation as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. The undefeated Chechen-Swedish powerhouse burst onto the scene with his unstoppable wrestling and freakish athleticism, running through opponents like a buzzsaw.

From his first fights in the UFC, he made his mission clear:

“I will smash everybody.”

And for the most part, he’s backed up every word.

Recent Fights: The Road to a Title Shot

• Defeated Gilbert Burns (UFC 273) – A brutal war that proved he could hang with elite competition.

• Dominated Kamaru Usman (UFC 294) – A clear decision victory over the former welterweight king, solidifying his middleweight credentials.

Chimaev’s wrestling is on another level. He doesn’t just take opponents down—he suffocates them, drowns them, and makes them quit. His power is overwhelming, and his finishing instinct is razor-sharp.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Elite Wrestling – One of the best grapplers in the UFC today.
Explosive Power – Can end fights early with his striking or submissions.
Killer Mentality – He comes in with bad intentions every time.

Cardio Concerns – Has looked tired in later rounds, especially in high-paced fights.
Striking Defense – While improving, he still eats unnecessary shots.

Against Du Plessis, Chimaev has a clear wrestling advantage, but if he doesn’t get the finish early, he may have to deal with a relentless opponent who refuses to break.

Breaking Down the Fight: Who Has the Edge?

1. Wrestling & Grappling

Advantage: Khamzat Chimaev

There’s no doubt that Chimaev is the superior wrestler. If he gets Du Plessis to the ground early, he could dominate and look for a finish. However, Du Plessis is no slouch on the mat and has a sneaky submission game that shouldn’t be underestimated.

2. Striking & Power

Advantage: Even

Du Plessis has awkward but effective striking, while Chimaev has serious one-punch knockout power. Both fighters have defensive flaws, making this a potential slugfest.

3. Cardio & Durability

Advantage: Dricus Du Plessis

If the fight goes deep into the later rounds, Du Plessis’ superior gas tank and durability could be a major factor. Chimaev has looked tired in past fights, and if he can’t finish early, he may struggle to keep up with Du Plessis’ nonstop pressure.

4. Mental Toughness & Experience

Advantage: Du Plessis

While Chimaev has shown he can handle adversity, Du Plessis has been in deep wars and never broken. His ability to absorb damage and push forward might give him an edge if this fight turns into a war.

Prediction: Who Walks Away With the Belt?

This fight is as close as it gets, but here are the two most likely outcomes:

• Scenario 1: Chimaev dominates early – If Khamzat gets an early takedown and overwhelms Du Plessis, a submission or TKO stoppage is very possible.

• Scenario 2: Du Plessis survives and takes over late – If Du Plessis drags Chimaev into deep waters and wears him down, he could score a late TKO or win a decision.

Official Prediction: Dricus Du Plessis by late TKO (Round 4).

While Chimaev is a terrifying force, Du Plessis has the style, cardio, and toughness to weather the early storm and take over as the fight drags on. If he can survive the first two rounds, expect the champion to pull off another shocking victory.

Final Thoughts: A Fight Fans Can’t Miss!

UFC 317’s main event is set to be one of the most explosive middleweight title fights in years.

Will Chimaev fulfill his prophecy and claim UFC gold?
Can Du Plessis prove that he’s the real deal by stopping one of the most feared fighters in the game?

No matter how it plays out, one thing is certain—this fight will be absolute chaos.

UFC 317: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev – Don’t Miss It! 🏆