Dricus Du Plessis isn’t just ready to defend his UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 319—he’s ready to shock the world again. The South African powerhouse dropped a chilling warning ahead of his August 16th title defense in Chicago: Khamzat Chimaev will find it “impossible” to prepare for his unorthodox, unpredictable fighting style.
As the build-up to the UFC’s final summer pay-per-view heats up, anticipation is surging for a fight that could redefine the middleweight landscape. But Du Plessis, known for defying the odds and dismantling elite opposition, is supremely confident that his enigmatic approach to combat is the key to retaining his crown—and shattering the aura of invincibility surrounding Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev.
Du Plessis vs. Chimaev: A Superfight with History on the Line
UFC 319 is more than just another fight card. It’s the culmination of a meteoric rise for both men. For Chimaev (14-0), the undefeated phenom, it’s his first UFC title shot. For Du Plessis (23-2), it’s a chance to cement his reign with a third successful title defense and shut down the narrative that he’s always the underdog.
“I’ve been the underdog for most of my career,” Du Plessis admitted in an interview with Fox 32 Chicago. “Yet here I am—the champion.”
That chip-on-the-shoulder mentality has been fuel for his relentless march through the middleweight ranks. Whether it was defeating Robert Whittaker, dethroning Israel Adesanya, or turning back Sean Strickland, Du Plessis has thrived when doubted.
And now, despite holding the belt, he enters UFC 319 as the betting underdog against Chimaev—a man who has only fought one true middleweight in the UFC.
The One Advantage Chimaev Can’t Train For
According to Du Plessis, Chimaev’s biggest problem isn’t pressure or experience—it’s preparation. Specifically, the lack of a training partner who can replicate DDP’s unique, “controversial” style.
“With my style, that is a very controversial style in the UFC, unlike anything that most people have ever seen,” Du Plessis said. “But then again, how do you prepare for that? How do you find somebody to mimic that?”
The champion doubled down on what he considers his greatest advantage.
“It’s impossible to prepare for me because I have this unique style that… where do you find somebody to mimic it?”
This style—which blends awkward timing, erratic movement, and powerful, surprising bursts of offense—has confounded elite strikers and elite grapplers alike. It’s not traditional Muay Thai. It’s not classic wrestling. It’s something born in the chaos of real fight scenarios, not cookie-cutter gym drills.
Respect for Chimaev, But No Fear
Despite his confidence, Du Plessis hasn’t dismissed Chimaev’s skills. In fact, he’s openly praised the Chechen-Swedish contender, calling him a “special fighter.”
“I think Khamzat is a special fighter,” Du Plessis previously told Ariel Helwani. “From the first time I saw him fight, I knew he was going to be something.”
But admiration doesn’t equal intimidation.
“I just think I’m a lot better than people think,” Du Plessis continued. “And I think he’s not ready for what I bring.”
This isn’t trash talk—it’s calculated insight. DDP sees Chimaev as a raw, dangerous force, but also as a fighter who hasn’t faced a well-rounded, championship-caliber opponent like himself.
The Psychological Warfare Has Already Begun
This is the mind game Du Plessis plays so well. His unpredictability in the cage bleeds into the pre-fight narrative: He is the unknown, even to the elite.
And with the eyes of the MMA world watching, that psychological edge could be the difference between retaining the belt or losing it.
A Champion Ready to Shock the World—Again
Du Plessis has made a career of proving people wrong.
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Against Whittaker? “He’s not ready.” He KO’d the former champ.
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Against Adesanya? “He won’t get past the reach and striking.” He dominated him with pressure and grit.
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Against Strickland? “Too awkward, too sloppy.” He outlasted and outpointed one of the toughest men in the division.
Now, the narrative has circled back.
“People are once again underestimating me,” Du Plessis said. “And they’re going to be surprised when they see what I do to Chimaev.”
He doesn’t just want to win. He wants to break Chimaev.
“You’re going to see the ‘boogeyman,’ you’re going to see him break. You’re going to see him break in there and then realize there’s only one boogeyman, and that’s me.”
Final Thoughts: Can Chimaev Overcome the Impossible?
There’s no denying the raw talent of Khamzat Chimaev. He’s aggressive, fearless, and boasts elite wrestling, explosive striking, and a perfect record. But will that be enough against a stylistic puzzle with momentum, confidence, and the belt in hand?
Dricus Du Plessis has created a riddle no one has solved. And at UFC 319, Chimaev will try to solve it—without a blueprint, without a manual, and possibly without an answer.
One thing is certain: Du Plessis believes the “impossible” is his advantage. And if he’s right, August 16 could mark the beginning of an undeniable middleweight legacy.
UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is more than a title fight—it’s a clash between expectation and execution, hype and reality, tradition and the unorthodox.
And if DDP has his way, it will end with the same message he’s sent every other time: Never underestimate the impossible.
