Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t believe Dricus Du Plessis’s unorthodox style will pose much of a problem when they face off in the Octagon.
Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) is set to challenge Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) for the middleweight title in the main event at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19.
Throughout his rise to the top of the 185-pound division, Du Plessis’s unconventional fighting style has drawn the attention of many analysts. Despite appearing somewhat uncoordinated and awkward at times, “Stillknocks” remains undefeated in the UFC. Wins over former champions like Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, and Israel Adesanya helped him capture—and successfully defend—the middleweight belt.
While Du Plessis’s offbeat style has created problems for every UFC opponent he’s faced so far, Chimaev doesn’t expect it to trouble him at UFC 319.
"Everyone says he has a weird style, very weird – that's MMA, MMA style," Chimaev told reporters at a media day previewing the upcoming title fight. "I don't think he's some crazy, weird (fighter), but he does his job. He does good and he's a good fighter. I am better."
Since signing with the UFC in 2020, Khamzat Chimaev has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters on the roster—especially in the early stages of a fight.
His quickfire submission win over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker last October was a prime example of “Borz” at his best: an early takedown, complete dominance on the ground, and a brutal submission to close the show.
Now preparing to challenge for Dricus Du Plessis’s title on August 16, Chimaev insists that the game plan remains the same—despite the higher stakes.
"When someone laying down on the mats, it's how weird you are on the ground," Chimaev said. "Ground and pound, submissions – they don't care about your style. We will see. We'll be happy to see him in the cage. We will fight him striking, wrestling, grappling. I want to know how he can handle it."
