‘Shakespeare Is Here!’: Dricus du Plessis Responds to Khamzat Chimaev’s ‘Preparing for M*rder’ Claim

In the wild and often dramatic world of UFC trash talk, Khamzat Chimaev has never been one to hold back. His fiery declaration that he’s “preparing for m*rder” ahead of a potential clash with middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis made headlines across the MMA community. But if Chimaev expected fear or silence from the South African titleholder, he miscalculated. Du Plessis, known for his iron will and unshakable confidence, answered back with literary flair: “Shakespeare is here!”

This retort has sparked both amusement and anticipation within the fight world — a rare mix of psychological warfare and sharp-witted banter that could set the stage for one of the most intense middleweight showdowns in UFC history.

Dricus du Plessis: The Champion’s Composed Response

When confronted with Chimaev’s intense rhetoric, Dricus du Plessis did not meet it with equal aggression or outrage. Instead, he leaned into sarcasm, mocking Chimaev’s theatrical phrasing by labeling it “Shakespearean.” It’s a stark contrast in demeanor: while Chimaev projects fury and chaos, du Plessis represents calm dominance.

“Shakespeare is here!” Du Plessis quipped in response. “If we’re talking in soliloquies now, then I guess I should be preparing for Macbeth.”

With this line, du Plessis showcased both his intelligence and his understanding of the mind games that define elite MMA. He knows a psychological edge is as powerful as a physical one. And while Chimaev may be aiming to intimidate, du Plessis is focused on dismantling his opponent mentally long before the Octagon doors close.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Dangerous Energy

There’s no denying that Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most dangerous rising stars in the UFC. His undefeated record, violent finishes, and overwhelming style have earned him a reputation as the boogeyman of the middleweight and welterweight divisions. Known for mauling opponents with relentless pressure, Chimaev’s latest outburst — saying he is “preparing for m*rder” — was meant to instill fear and assert psychological dominance.

This type of talk isn’t new for Chimaev, who has repeatedly said he wants to “kill everybody” inside the cage. However, his choice of words this time crossed into territory that UFC executives and fans alike couldn’t ignore. While such language toes the line between intensity and irresponsibility, Chimaev thrives in controversy.

The real question is whether his threats hold any weight against a fighter like du Plessis — someone who has faced monsters before and never flinched.

A Clash of Fighting Philosophies

At the heart of this brewing rivalry is a fundamental difference in style, attitude, and philosophy. Du Plessis is measured, strategic, and technically sound, relying on cardio, control, and timing to overwhelm his opponents. In contrast, Chimaev is raw fury, bringing wild takedowns, explosive strikes, and a chaotic pace.

The contrast extends outside the cage. Du Plessis maintains a respectful demeanor, grounded in discipline and professionalism. Chimaev is loud, brash, and thrives in psychological warfare. Their impending clash, whether booked for UFC 305 or later in 2025, will be about more than just belts — it will be a battle between two vastly different warriors fighting for dominance in the middleweight hierarchy.

“There’s nothing Khamzat can say to get in my head,” du Plessis told reporters. “All that talk doesn’t mean anything when the cage door closes. That’s where I live.”

The Rise of Dricus du Plessis

Dricus du Plessis has had one of the most impressive runs in the UFC’s middleweight division over the past two years. With signature wins over Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, du Plessis silenced critics who once doubted his cardio, striking, or strength of schedule. Now holding the middleweight crown, he finds himself as the target of every contender — especially a predator like Chimaev.

But du Plessis isn’t just a champion by belt. He’s a fighter who’s grown through adversity. Whether overcoming injuries, doubters, or difficult matchups, he’s shown a unique ability to rise to the occasion. And with Chimaev’s aggressive challenge looming, he’s once again preparing to prove his mettle.

“I’ve fought guys who said they were killers. I’ve beaten them. Khamzat is no different,” he said.

Fan Reactions: Social Media Explodes Over ‘Shakespeare’ Comeback

Within minutes of du Plessis’s “Shakespeare” jab, social media platforms were flooded with memes, comments, and debates. Fans loved the dry humor and saw it as a perfectly timed counter to Chimaev’s overly dramatic statement. Some even called it “the calmest disarmament of UFC trash talk in years.”

One user wrote: “Chimaev bringing war cries. Du Plessis bringing iambic pentameter. This fight is gonna be something else.”

The UFC fanbase, often drawn to both drama and skill, now sees this matchup as more than a physical battle — it’s a story-driven showdown with characters, arcs, and tension.

Will the UFC Book the Fight?

Dana White and the UFC matchmakers are well aware of the buzz surrounding a du Plessis vs. Chimaev title fight. Both men are undefeated in their respective UFC weight classes. Both bring passionate fanbases. And now, both have engaged in verbal warfare that the promotional machine can amplify into a pay-per-view blockbuster.

Rumors suggest the UFC is eyeing a late summer or fall event, possibly in Abu Dhabi or South Africa, depending on logistics and marketing potential. Such a location would play into the cultural backgrounds of both fighters — Chimaev representing Chechnya and Sweden, and du Plessis proudly flying the South African flag.

Regardless of location, the tension is already high, and fans are eager to see if du Plessis’s calm mental warfare can withstand Chimaev’s physical aggression.

Training Camps: The War Begins Early

Sources close to both camps suggest training preparations are already underway, with Chimaev moving between the UAE and Sweden, and du Plessis maintaining his base in South Africa while considering travel to Las Vegas for elite sparring. Both fighters are likely to bring in elite partners — grapplers, strikers, and sports psychologists — as the build-up intensifies.

Du Plessis is rumored to be working with additional wrestling coaches to shore up any perceived weaknesses in takedown defense, while Chimaev is rumored to be bulking up for added power and durability at 185 pounds.

The mental game, however, may already be tilting slightly in favor of the South African. By refusing to engage emotionally and instead using humor, du Plessis has defused the early psychological onslaught from Chimaev.

“When you stay calm, the storm passes,” du Plessis said. “And when it does, I’ll be standing over him.”

Conclusion: Shakespeare, Violence, and the Battle for Middleweight Supremacy

In an era where UFC hype often becomes louder than the fights themselves, Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev are offering a rare blend of raw intensity and mental chess. Chimaev may speak in threats of violence, but du Plessis’s answer — light-hearted, sarcastic, and deeply composed — reveals the mindset of a man ready for war on his own terms.

Fans are no longer just waiting to see who can punch harder or wrestle better. They’re watching to see who can win the battle of wills, egos, and narrative control.

Will Chimaev’s fury overtake du Plessis’s calm resolve? Or will the “Shakespearean” response from the champion be a preview of the tactical dismantling to come?