Introduction – The Road to Collision
On August 16, 2025, Chicago’s United Center will become the arena for one of the most eagerly anticipated fights in UFC history. Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against undefeated veteran Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319.
The stakes are high. For du Plessis, it’s about solidifying his supremacy and silencing those who doubt his style. For Chimaev, it’s about fulfilling years of hype, earning his first UFC belt and proving that no one in this division can match his speed.
This isn’t just another title fight – it’s a clash between an indomitable warrior and a wrestling machine. Styles make fights, and here we have two of the most extreme styles.
Dricus Du Plessis – The Champion Who Breaks People
Dricus “Stillnox” Du Plessis has built his career on breaking fighters down in the final rounds. With a 22-2 record, his ability to absorb punishment and keep moving forward has made him one of the most dangerous middleweights in UFC history.
He’s not the fastest striker, but his combination of unpredictable timing, powerful hooks and thumping body shots leaves opponents confused. Against Israel Adesanya, Du Plessis captured the belt by showcasing precise striking and relentless pressure. Against Sean Strickland, he suffered an early loss but came back to dominate the championship rounds.
His grappling is often overlooked, but Du Plessis has scored multiple submission wins in his career. If Chimaev expects a night of easy takedowns and control, he may be in for a tough fight.
Khamzat Chimaev – The Wolf is Hungry
Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev is one of the UFC’s most formidable talents. Starting 2020 with a bang, he won three fights in just 66 days — and that’s without a big strike. He has a 14-0 record, including 12 wins, and has made even the best fighters look like amateurs.
Chimaev’s style is based on fierce chain wrestling, stifling top control, and ruthless ground-and-pound. Against Gilbert Burns, he proved he can survive any fight. Against Kamaru Usman, he displayed tactical patience and used his wrestling to neutralize the former welterweight champion.
This fight is the result of years of hype. If he wins, Chimaev will not just be the champion — he will be the face of the next generation of the UFC.
Preparation – Mind games before the cage
The tension for this fight began months ago when Du Plessis’ head coach labeled Chimaev “one-dimensional.” He suggested he would beat him at his own game, and hinted at plans to out-wrestle the wrestler.
Chimaev laughed off the comments, promising a “quick kill” and warning that Du Plessis would not last beyond the second round. The press conference was marked by cold stares, profanity and moments when security had to intervene.
Fight week will only add to the drama, as the formal weigh-in is expected to be a thrilling one.
Past Performance Analysis
Du Plessis vs. Whittaker (2023): Du Plessis dominates former champion with sharp counters and great . cardio to score a TKO.
Du Plessis vs Adesanya (2024): Proved his toughness by outpointing one of the most technical strikers in . UFC history.
Chimaev vs Burns (2022): Showed he can hold his own in a grueling three-round contest.
Chimaev vs Whittaker (2024): Completely demolished Whittaker’s offense with relentless wrestling.
Keys to Victory
Dricus du Plessis must:
Defend early takedowns and force Chimaev into a strike exchange.
Target the body to wear down Chimaev’s cardio.
Push the pace in the third round and beyond, where Chimaev has shown weakness.
Khamzat Chimaev must:
Immediately close the distance and drop du Plessis to his back.
Avoid standing in the pocket too long against the champion’s heavy hands.
Look for early dominance—the longer the fight goes, the more it will tilt in du Plessis’ favor.
Prediction – Who will get the belt?
While Chimaev has the weapons to defeat almost anyone early, du Plessis thrives in chaos. If the South African can survive the first two rounds, he will drag Chimaev into a tough battle.
My pick: Dricus du Plessis wins by fourth-round TKO. When both fighters are tired, his stamina, fight IQ and ability to use cardio as a weapon could be the difference between the two.
Why this fight matters
This isn’t just about gold. It’s about legacy, pride and proving who the true king of middleweight is. The winner will have no shortage of challengers – from a revenge-seeking Israel Adesanya to a rising star looking to test his luck. But first, they’ll have to survive each other.
