Who Can Stop the “Gray Wolf” Khamzat Chimaev at Middleweight? Only Dricus Du Plessis Can

The UFC middleweight division has seen its fair share of dominant fighters over the years, from Anderson Silva’s legendary reign to Israel Adesanya’s electrifying performances. Now, a new force is on the rise—Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev, also known as the “Gray Wolf.”

Chimaev’s rapid ascent has left fans and analysts wondering: Who, if anyone, can stop him? Many believe the current middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, might be the man to do it. But does Du Plessis have what it takes to neutralize Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and finishing ability?

Let’s break down everything about this potential superfight, analyzing their skills, fight history, and what makes this matchup one of the most anticipated clashes in the UFC.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Destroyer

Early Career and Meteoric Rise

Khamzat Chimaev exploded onto the UFC scene in 2020, quickly making a name for himself with his dominant performances. The Chechen-born, Swedish-trained fighter gained attention for his relentless pressure, superior wrestling, and devastating striking.

His UFC debut against John Phillips at UFC Fight Island 1 was a showcase of his grappling prowess. Chimaev secured a second-round submission victory, landing a staggering 124 significant strikes to Phillips’ 2.

Just 10 days later, he fought again at UFC Fight Island 3, knocking out Rhys McKee in the first round. This rapid turnaround had never been seen before in the UFC, cementing Chimaev’s reputation as a fearless fighter.

Signature Wins and Dominance

Chimaev continued his destruction with major wins over:

• Gerald Meerschaert (UFC Vegas 11, 2020):  A 17-second knockout showed that Chimaev wasn’t just a wrestler; his striking was lethal as well.
• Li Jingliang (UFC 267, 2021): Chimaev dominated from start to finish, lifting Jingliang off the ground while talking to Dana White before submitting him in round one.
• Gilbert Burns (UFC 273, 2022): In what was considered his first real test, Chimaev went toe-to-toe with Burns in a Fight of the Year contender. He won by decision but showed that he could take damage and still come out victorious.

The Move to Middleweight

Chimaev has competed in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, but his struggles with weight cuts led him to focus on middleweight.

At UFC 294 (October 2023), he defeated former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a majority decision, further proving he belongs at 185 lbs.

Now, the question is: Can he beat the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis?

Dricus Du Plessis: The Unstoppable South African Champion

A Champion’s Mentality

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has taken the UFC by storm, overcoming doubts about his unorthodox fighting style to become the undisputed middleweight champion.

Coming from South Africa, Du Plessis is known for his toughness, high fight IQ, and ability to adapt under pressure. He is a former KSW and EFC champion, proving his dominance before even stepping into the UFC.

Key Victories in the UFC

Since joining the UFC, Du Plessis has gone on an incredible winning streak, taking down some of the best middleweights, including:

• Darren Till (UFC 282, 2022): A brutal submission victory that displayed his well-rounded skill set.
• Derek Brunson (UFC 285, 2023) showed his relentless pace, forcing Brunson’s corner to stop the fight after round two.
• Robert Whittaker (UFC 290, 2023) shocked the MMA world by finishing the former champion via TKO in the second round.
• Sean Strickland (UFC 312, 2024) won the middleweight title in a war, proving his ability to handle elite-level strikers.

Fighting Style: What Makes Du Plessis Dangerous?

Du Plessis doesn’t always look technical, but he is incredibly effective. His key attributes include:
✔ Cardio & Toughness: He thrives in high-paced fights and can push the action deep into championship rounds.
✔ Unorthodox Striking: While his striking may appear sloppy at times, he has deceptive power and a strong ability to close the distance.
✔ Grappling Skills: Despite being known for his striking, Du Plessis has a solid ground game, with several submission wins on his record.

So, how would he fare against the relentless wrestling and pressure of Khamzat Chimaev?

Breaking Down the Potential Fight: Chimaev vs. Du Plessis

This matchup is one of the most exciting potential title fights in UFC history. Here’s how the two stack up:

1. Wrestling & Grappling

• Chimaev: An elite-level wrestler who can take down and control nearly anyone. His ability to chain-wrestle and smother opponents has been his biggest strength.
• Du Plessis: A strong grappler, but not on Chimaev’s level. While he has shown solid takedown defense, if Chimaev gets on top, it could be a problem.
  🏆 Advantage: Chimaev

2. Striking

• Chimaev: Powerful but often reckless. While he has knockout power, his striking is still developing.
• Du Plessis: More proven in striking battles, with a higher volume and knockout ability. He also has the reach to keep Chimaev at bay.
  🏆 Advantage: Du Plessis

3. Cardio & Durability

• Chimaev: Hasn’t fought many five-round wars, so his cardio is still a question mark.
• Du Plessis: Known for his insane pace and ability to fight hard for five rounds.
  🏆 Advantage: Du Plessis

4. Fight IQ & Adaptability

• Chimaev: A fast starter who overwhelms opponents early but can be too aggressive.
• Du Plessis: Has shown he can adjust mid-fight, as seen in his wins over Whittaker and Strickland.
  🏆 Advantage: Du Plessis

Prediction: Who Would Win?

This fight is a classic grappler vs. striker matchup, but Du Plessis is no ordinary striker—he’s well-rounded and has faced adversity before.

• If Chimaev can impose his wrestling early, he could dominate and potentially secure a submission.
• If Du Plessis can survive the early storm, his cardio and striking advantage could allow him to take over in the later rounds.

Official Prediction: 50/50 Toss-Up

It all depends on whether Du Plessis can keep the fight standing. If he can, he has a great chance to win. If he can’t, Chimaev will likely dominate.

What’s Next? The UFC’s Plans

Dana White has hinted that Chimaev is next in line for a title shot. While no date has been confirmed, this fight seems inevitable.
If Chimaev wins, he becomes the new face of the middleweight division.
If Du Plessis wins, he solidifies his place as one of the greatest middleweights of his era.
Either way, the UFC middleweight division has never been more exciting.

Conclusion: The Most Anticipated Fight of 2025?

As fans, we can only hope this fight happens sooner rather than later. So the question remains: Will the Gray Wolf continue his reign of terror, or will the South African champion prove he’s truly unstoppable?
One thing is for sure—when Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis meet, it will be a battle for the ages.