MMA Match Preview: Dricus du Plessis (23-2) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (14-0) – Title Fight

Fight Details

Attribute	Info
Event	UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
Matchup	Dricus du Plessis (C) vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Division	Middleweight Title Bout (185 lbs)
Date	Saturday, August 16, 2025
Venue	United Center, Chicago, IL
Broadcast	ESPN+, Pay-Per-View
Bout Placement	Main Event

Fighter Breakdown

Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis

Record: 23–2 (9–0 UFC)

Age: 31

Recent Form: Wins over Sean Strickland (twice) and Israel Adesanya

Style: Pressure striker with underrated grappling and elite cardio

Key Traits:

Relentless pace and durability

Strong clinch and ground control

Proven championship-level resilience

Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev

Record: 14–0 (8–0 UFC)

Age: 30

Recent Form: Submission win over Robert Whittaker (UFC 308)

Style: Dominant wrestler with explosive finishing ability

Key Traits:

Elite takedown pressure and ground control

Fast starts and high finishing rate

Unbeaten across two divisions

Tactical Preview

Du Plessis’ Path to Victory:

Force Chimaev into deep waters and test his cardio

Use clinch and dirty boxing to neutralize takedown entries

Mix striking with defensive wrestling to frustrate “Borz”

Chimaev’s Path to Victory:

Fast takedown and top control early

Avoid prolonged striking exchanges

Exploit du Plessis’ tendency to absorb damage in early rounds

“He’s only faced guys who try to run from his wrestling. We’re going to f*** him up in his own game,” said du Plessis’ coach Morne Visser.
Chimaev responded: “Why prepare for war when you can prepare to kill?”

Rankings & Implications

Fighter	Middleweight Rank (Global)
Dricus du Plessis	Champion (#1)
Khamzat Chimaev	#3

A win for du Plessis solidifies his reign and sets up a potential superfight

A win for Chimaev crowns him champion in a second division and validates years of hype