Scandal in the octagon! UFC fighters “predict” an epic shock between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 … Don’t miss it!

At 9:51 AM +07 on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, a wave of emotion and controversy has flooded the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) after the bold predictions of several UFC fighters on a hypothetical confrontation between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis, tentatively scheduled for UFC 319. During a round of interviews in the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, held at 9:00 am +07, stars such as Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland shared their opinions, generating a frenzy on social networks with hashtags such as #chimaevvsduplessis and #UFC319 Trending. Although there is no official confirmation of the event, these predictions have fueled speculation about a clash that could redefine the medium division, leaving fans to the edge of their seats.

The context of the advance

Khamzat Chimaev, 30, has emerged as an unstoppable force in the medium division with a record of 13-0, including impressive victories over Gilbert Burns and Robert Whittaker in 2024. His aggressive style, combined with an elite struggle and a knockout power, has made him a contender to the title. On the other hand, Dricus du Plessis, the current medium champion with a record of 22-2, defended his belt against Sean Strickland in March 2025 by divided decision, consolidating his reign with a streak of 7 consecutive victories. His most recent fight, a technical knockout about Marvin Vettori in June, has raised his profile as a versatile and resistant champion.

The possibility of a confrontation between these two titans has been discussed since Chimaev expressed interest in fighting for the title after his victory over Whittaker. UFC 319, tentatively scheduled for November 15, 2025 in Abu Dhabi, has been mentioned as a potential scenario by Dana White during a podcast last month, although the details are still lazy. The predictions of the fighters have added fuel to this narrative.

FIGHTER PREDICTIONS

Israel Adesanya, former medium champion, was the first to comment at 9:05 am +07: “Chimaev has the heart, but du plessis is an animal on the ground and standing. I think Dricus submits it in the third round.” His analysis highlighted the superior fight of Du Plessis against the overwhelming pressure of Chimaev. Robert Whittaker, who lost to Chimaev, offered a different vision at 9:10 am +07: “Khamzat dominated me, and if he takes that rhythm to du plessis, he could finish it in the second. It is an uncontrolled train.” Sean Strickland, known for his openness, was more direct at 9:15 AM +07: “Du Plessis is hard, but Chimaev is going to crush him. That boy is a damn cyborg.”

These predictions reflect a debate between the destructive power of Chimaev and the experience of Du Plessis, with opinions divided by a rapid end by knockout or a war of five rounds. The intensity of his comments has generated an unprecedented buzz, amplified by viral clips in X.

Reactions and speculation

Social networks are lit, with fans tweeting: “Chimaev vs. du plesssis is the fight of the year!” and “UFC 319 will be legendary.” Bet365 are already showing Chimaev as a light favorite (-120) about Du Plessis (+100), reflecting confidence in their undefeated streak. Analysts such as Chael Sonnen suggest that UFC is pushing this fight to maximize attention in Abu Dhabi, where high -profile fights have been a success under the back of Turki Alalshikh. Others speculate that it could be a strategy to divert attention from recent controversies in the Welter division.

Some believe that Du Plessis could avoid Chimaev to defend against more easy contestants, while others see the challenge as an opportunity for Chimaev to try his value against a reigning champion. The lack of an official confirmation maintains uncertainty, but the pressure of fighters and fans could force a decision soon.

What does this mean?

If UFC 319 is confirmed with Chimaev vs. Du plassis, could generate income from PPV exceeding 10 million dollars, especially with the support of Abu Dhabi. For Chimaev, a victory would crown him as the new medium king, while Du Plessis will seek to defend his legacy. A defeat for anyone could alter the hierarchy of the division, opening doors to contenders such as Adesanya or Strickland. At 9:51 am +07, while the world of MMA expects an official confirmation, the predictions of the fighters have turned this rumor into the issue of the moment, promising an event that could change everything.