The UFC championship title fight heated up as Dricus Du Plessis turned Khamzat Chimaev into a laughingstock when he reunited with his ‘best friend’

The intensity of the UFC middleweight title scene has reached new heights, and at the center of the storm is Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning champion who is not only defending his belt but also defending his pride in a war of words against Khamzat Chimaev. The tension between the two fighters was already boiling, but things took a wild and somewhat comical turn when Du Plessis reunited with his longtime “best friend”—a move that unexpectedly humiliated Chimaev on a public stage, turning him into the subject of ridicule across the MMA world.

Now, fans are left wondering: is Du Plessis just having fun, or is he deliberately undermining Chimaev’s mental game ahead of what could be one of the most explosive fights of the year?

Dricus Du Plessis championship mindset

Since capturing the UFC middleweight title, Dricus Du Plessis has embraced the role of a champion with swagger, tactical brilliance, and showmanship. Known for his unapologetically raw fighting style and mental toughness, Du Plessis has proven that he isn’t just a brute force inside the Octagon—he’s also a psychological chess master.

Leading up to the expected showdown with Chimaev, Du Plessis made headlines not with a punch or a takedown, but with a reunion. In a viral clip that lit up MMA social media, Du Plessis was seen reuniting with a former teammate—one he jokingly called his “best friend”—and then used that moment to take a calculated jab at Khamzat. Whether it was a friend from his amateur circuit or an old training partner who once exchanged words with Chimaev, the implication was clear: Du Plessis is uniting forces against a common enemy.

Chimaev, known for his ferocious intensity and borderline erratic social media persona, did not respond well. What was intended as a light-hearted jab sent the Chechen-born star into a fiery rant, further feeding the narrative that he can be mentally rattled. Du Plessis seemed to revel in it.

Fans and analysts alike saw the situation for what it was—a champion getting into the challenger’s head. And in the fight game, that can be just as lethal as a knockout punch.

Khamzat Chimaev loses the mental edge

Khamzat Chimaev has built his career on intimidation. His 12–0 record, unrelenting pressure, and unmatched wrestling have made him a feared name across two divisions. However, the very thing that made Chimaev a monster in the Octagon—his emotional volatility—might now be a liability.

The reunion episode with Du Plessis’ so-called best friend became a turning point in the media narrative. Commentators on major platforms like ESPN, BT Sport, and The MMA Hour dissected Chimaev’s reaction, noting how easily he was baited. Some even called him a “laughingstock,” pointing out that Du Plessis exposed a psychological vulnerability that could impact fight night.

Chimaev’s social media tirade included calling Du Plessis “fake,” “disrespectful,” and “soft,” but fans noticed the overreaction. For a fighter who thrives on dominance and confidence, showing emotional instability could be detrimental against a calm, composed champion like Du Plessis.

The MMA community didn’t hold back with the memes, GIFs, and parody videos. In less than 48 hours, what should’ve been a standard promo moment turned into a spectacle that made Chimaev look unprepared for the big stage.

Why Dricus Du Plessis is winning the pre-fight game

Du Plessis has always been a tactician. Inside the cage, he mixes wrestling, clinch work, and punishing striking with a relentless pace. Outside the cage, he’s shown surprising charisma and psychological warfare skills. The “best friend” stunt was clever, timely, and deeply effective. It cast doubt on Chimaev’s composure and positioned Du Plessis as a cunning, confident champion who’s not afraid to poke the bear.

This tactic is reminiscent of how fighters like Conor McGregor once used pre-fight antics to throw elite opponents off their rhythm. But Du Plessis is doing it without the need for over-the-top antics or vulgar insults. He’s calm, composed, and strategic—traits that are dangerous when paired with elite athleticism.

By flipping the spotlight onto Chimaev’s reaction rather than the reunion itself, Du Plessis forced his opponent to play defense before the cage door even shuts.

Will the mind games affect Chimaev’s strategy?

The real question now is whether this public embarrassment will change how Khamzat Chimaev approaches the fight. Known for his aggressive opening blitzes and suffocating grappling, Chimaev has relied on his ability to dominate early. But will an emotionally charged Chimaev stick to the game plan, or try to settle a personal score?

History has shown that emotionally reactive fighters often underperform when facing elite-caliber opposition. If Chimaev comes in hot-headed and swinging for the fences, he may gas out or walk into a perfectly timed counter from Du Plessis. And Du Plessis, who is no stranger to brutal wars inside the Octagon, knows how to survive the storm and capitalize on mistakes.

This could make the champion even more dangerous. Du Plessis thrives on chaos, and Chimaev might be handing him chaos on a silver platter.

How fans are reacting: support shifting toward Du Plessis

Public perception is a massive factor in UFC matchmaking and promotional success. Since the viral incident, Du Plessis’ fan support has noticeably increased, with many praising his composure and humor. Meanwhile, Chimaev’s once-invincible image is now facing cracks.

Fan forums like Reddit’s r/MMA and Twitter/X have exploded with commentary mocking Chimaev’s overreaction. Some fans joked that Chimaev “lost the first round outside the cage,” while others declared Du Plessis the “true alpha” of the division—not because of brute force, but because of tactical brilliance.

This shift in perception could impact betting lines, fan engagement, and UFC marketing strategy. With Dana White always looking to capitalize on media momentum, expect this “best friend” storyline to be woven into the lead-up content for the fight.

What this means for the UFC middleweight division

The Du Plessis vs. Chimaev fight is more than just a title bout—it’s a clash of ideologies. Du Plessis represents poise, grit, and experience, while Chimaev brings explosive unpredictability and raw aggression. Their contrasting personalities and now very personal tension make this a blockbuster main event in the making.

If Du Plessis retains the belt, his stock will skyrocket. He will have not only defended the title but also deflated the most hyped contender in the sport. For Chimaev, this fight could be make-or-break. A dominant win would reinforce his mythos and shut down critics, but a loss—especially one sparked by his own mental lapse—could haunt his reputation for years.