DRICUS V CHIMAEV: all you need to know

South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis will put his UFC middleweight championship title on the line when he faces Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 early in August.

This highly anticipated bout is being billed as one of the biggest matchups of the year, with both fighters undefeated in their UFC careers.

🥊 FIGHT DETAILS:

Event: UFC 319

Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis v Khamzat Chimaev

Title: UFC Middleweight Championship

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025

Location: United Centre, Chicago

Start Time: 4am (main card)

Broadcast details: SS Action and Maximo 1

🧠 BACKGROUND:

Du Plessis (23-2), who claimed the title with a split-decision victory over Sean Strickland in January 2024 and has not lost since October 2018, will attempt to knock Chimaev from the ranks of the unbeaten.

In a unanimous decision in February, Du Plessis won the rematch against Strickland and also has victories over former titleholders Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.

Chimaev (14-0) is coming off a first-round submission of Whittaker in October and has also taken down Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev, who fights out of the United Arab Emirates by way of Chechnya, Russia, is a powerful wrestler and striker who has six submission victories under his belt.

FIGHTING STYLES

🦁 DRICUS "STILLKNOCKS" DU PLESSIS

Style: Unorthodox striker with strong grappling

Base: Kickboxing & Judo

🔹 Strengths:

Pressure Fighter: Du Plessis thrives on forward pressure, often overwhelming opponents with volume and aggression.

Unorthodox movement: His striking is awkward but effective, throwing off opponents’ timing.

Durability & Cardio: Known for pushing a relentless pace deep into fights.

Grappling: Underrated ground game with solid takedown defense and submission skills (multiple wins by guillotine choke).

🔹 Weaknesses:

Defensive Gaps: His wild style can leave him open to counters.

Striking Accuracy: Sometimes sacrifices precision for volume.

🐺 KHAMZAT "BORZ" CHIMAEV

Style: Elite Wrestler with Explosive Striking

Base: Freestyle Wrestling

Record: 14-0 (as of July 2025)

🔹 Strengths:

World-Class Wrestling: Dominates opponents with takedowns and top control.

Explosive Starts: Known for blitzing opponents early with overwhelming pressure.

Ground-and-Pound: Vicious elbows and punches from top position.

Submission Threat: Strong rear-naked choke and D’Arce choke game.

🔹 Weaknesses:

Cardio Concerns: Has shown signs of fatigue in longer fights.

Striking Defense: Can be hit when overcommitting to offense.

🧠 TACTICAL MATCH UP INSIGHT

If it stays standing: Du Plessis has the edge in volume and awkward striking, especially in later rounds.

If it goes to the ground: Chimaev’s wrestling is likely superior, but Du Plessis is dangerous off his back.

Cardio Battle: Du Plessis may have the advantage if the fight goes past round 3.