The Brutality of Khamzat Chimaev—Can Du Plessis Survive?

For years, Khamzat Chimaev has been one of the most feared names in the UFC. From the moment he stepped into the Octagon, he has left behind a trail of destruction, dominating elite fighters with terrifying ease. His mix of relentless wrestling, suffocating pressure, and raw power makes him one of the most dangerous fighters the sport has ever seen.

Now, he sets his sights on Dricus Du Plessis, the newly crowned UFC Middleweight Champion. Du Plessis, a warrior with an unbreakable will and unorthodox fighting style, has made a career out of proving doubters wrong. But is this challenge too much even for him?

With the UFC Middleweight Championship on the line, this fight is more than just a title bout—it’s a clash of two unstoppable forces. Will Khamzat Chimaev run through Du Plessis as he has done with so many before him? Or will Du Plessis withstand the storm and prove he is the rightful king of the middleweight division?

Let’s break down the brutal reality of this fight and whether Dricus Du Plessis has any chance of survival.

Khamzat Chimaev—A Monster Unlike Any Other

The Rise of a Relentless Predator

Few fighters in MMA history have arrived with the level of dominance and fear factor that Khamzat Chimaev brings to the cage. From his UFC debut, he made it clear that he was a different breed.

• He finished his first two UFC fights in 10 days, absorbing only two strikes combined.

• He knocked out Gerald Meerschaert with one punch in 17 seconds, proving his striking was just as terrifying as his grappling.

• He carried Li Jingliang across the Octagon while talking to Dana White, before finishing him with a submission.

• He went to war with Gilbert Burns, showing his toughness and proving he could handle adversity.

• He dominated Kamaru Usman on short notice, cementing himself as a top contender at middleweight.

Every fight has been a violent message to the UFC roster—no one is safe from Khamzat Chimaev.

What Makes Khamzat Chimaev So Dangerous?

Khamzat isn’t just another strong wrestler—he is a relentless machine. He combines several key weapons that make him nearly impossible to stop:

1. Explosive Takedowns: Chimaev closes distance like a predator hunting its prey. Once he gets his hands on his opponent, they almost always hit the mat.

2. Unstoppable Ground Control: Unlike some wrestlers who focus on control, Chimaev hunts for the finish. He has a terrifying ability to transition from dominant positions into submissions or brutal ground-and-pound.

3. Insane Pressure: Khamzat doesn’t just wrestle—he suffocates his opponents. He never lets them breathe, never lets them reset.

4. Underrated Striking: Many think Chimaev is only a grappler, but his knockout of Meerschaert showed that his hands carry real danger.

The question is—is there anyone who can stop him?

Dricus Du Plessis – The Unbreakable Underdog

The Fighter Who Defies the Odds

Unlike Chimaev, who has always been seen as a future champion, Dricus Du Plessis was never supposed to be here.

When he first entered the UFC, many dismissed him as awkward, sloppy, and unpolished. But fight after fight, he proved that his unconventional style hides something far more dangerous—an iron will, brutal power, and endless cardio.

• He shocked the world by knocking out Robert Whittaker, one of the best middleweights in UFC history.

• He survived an all-out war with Derek Brunson before finishing him.

• He dismantled Sean Strickland to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship.

With every fight, Du Plessis has proven that he is more than just an underdog—he is a true champion.

Can Du Plessis Stop Chimaev?

If Du Plessis wants to survive Chimaev’s brutality, he needs to rely on the things that have made him so dangerous:

1. Unbreakable Cardio: Du Plessis has one of the best gas tanks in the UFC. If he can drag Chimaev into the later rounds, could he turn the tide?

2. Wild, Powerful Striking: His striking is unorthodox, but it is effective. If he lands clean, can he hurt Chimaev before getting taken down?

3. Physical Strength: Du Plessis is a big, powerful middleweight. If he can stuff the takedowns, will he be able to wear Chimaev down?

On paper, Du Plessis is a massive underdog. But he has made a career out of proving people wrong.

The Brutal Reality: Can Du Plessis Survive?

The Most Likely Outcome

Most experts agree that Chimaev’s wrestling will be too much for Du Plessis to handle. If Khamzat gets an early takedown, the fight could be over within minutes.

• Chimaev’s top control is suffocating. If he gets Du Plessis to the ground, it will be a slow, painful beatdown.

• Chimaev has far superior grappling. If Du Plessis can’t defend the takedown, he will likely be submitted or finished with brutal ground-and-pound.

Can Du Plessis Win?

If Du Plessis wants to win, he must:

1. Avoid the early takedown at all costs.

2. Make the fight ugly, drag Chimaev into deep waters.

3. Land something big before Chimaev can close the distance.

4. Test Chimaev’s cardio and durability in the later rounds.

If he can turn the fight into chaos, he has a small but real chance.

A Fight That Will Define the UFC Middleweight Division

This fight isn’t just about who wins—it’s about who takes over the middleweight division.

• If Chimaev wins, he cements himself as the most dominant force in the sport.

• If Du Plessis wins, he proves that he is the toughest, most resilient champion the UFC has seen in years.

But the truth is no one has truly survived Khamzat Chimaev yet.

Can Du Plessis be the first? Or will Khamzat Chimaev do what he always does—smash, maul, and dominate?

At UFC 317, the answer will be revealed.

Who do you think wins this war? The unstoppable Khamzat Chimaev or the unbreakable Dricus Du Plessis? Let the debate begin.