The middleweight division has always been filled with fierce competition, and nothing embodies this more than the brewing rivalry between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. Their first meeting inside the Octagon was one of the most talked-about fights in recent memory, with Chimaev’s relentless pressure clashing against Du Plessis’ calculated aggression. Now, with a rematch on the horizon, fans and analysts alike are asking the burning question: Did Du Plessis find the formula to defeat “Borz” the second time around?
The First Encounter: What Went Wrong for Du Plessis
In their initial clash, Khamzat Chimaev showcased his trademark style—explosive takedowns, suffocating top control, and ground-and-pound that forces opponents into survival mode. Du Plessis, who has built his career on resilience and striking versatility, struggled to impose his game in the opening rounds. The South African fighter had flashes of success when he managed to create distance, landing powerful kicks and overhand rights, but Chimaev’s grappling superiority tilted the fight in his favor.
The outcome of that bout was not just a defeat for Du Plessis—it was a wake-up call. He had faced a version of Chimaev that few had managed to withstand, and though he showed glimpses of toughness, he was unable to stop the storm that “Borz” brought to the cage.
Studying Chimaev: Breaking Down the Blueprint
For Du Plessis, preparing for a rematch meant diving deep into Chimaev’s habits, tendencies, and weaknesses. While Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most dominant middleweights in the world, his style has certain patterns that can be exploited with the right strategy. Du Plessis and his team identified three critical areas to focus on:
Cardio Management – Chimaev’s aggression is his greatest weapon, but it also demands enormous energy. In his fight against Gilbert Burns at welterweight, fans witnessed Chimaev slow down when forced into prolonged striking exchanges. Du Plessis knew that if he could survive the early storm, opportunities would arise later in the fight.
Striking Distance – Du Plessis thrives when fights remain standing. His unorthodox striking style, with looping punches and heavy leg kicks, creates problems for grapplers who prefer clean entries. Keeping Chimaev on the outside with jabs and low kicks became a central part of the rematch preparation.
Defensive Wrestling – Perhaps the most crucial improvement was in Du Plessis’ takedown defense. Knowing that Chimaev would relentlessly shoot, Du Plessis drilled sprawls, underhooks, and cage control for months. Neutralizing Chimaev’s wrestling was the only way to give his striking a chance to shine.
The Rematch: A Different Story
When the cage door closed for the rematch, fans expected another dominant performance from Chimaev. Instead, what they witnessed was a far more competitive battle. Du Plessis entered with a calm composure, refusing to be intimidated by Chimaev’s early aggression. The first round still belonged to “Borz,” as he pressured forward, shot for takedowns, and attempted to control Du Plessis on the ground. But unlike in their first encounter, Du Plessis stayed composed, used the cage to stand up quickly, and punished Chimaev with elbows and body shots on the break.
By the second round, the adjustments became evident. Du Plessis began chopping away at Chimaev’s legs, slowing his explosive movements. Each time Chimaev attempted to close the distance, he ate stiff jabs and counter hooks. The South African champion also showed vastly improved cardio, maintaining a steady output while forcing Chimaev into deeper waters.
The third and fourth rounds became the turning point. Chimaev, known for overwhelming opponents in the early stages, began to breathe heavier, his shots coming in slower. Du Plessis capitalized by pushing the pace, landing heavy combinations and keeping Chimaev guessing with unpredictable angles. A perfectly timed right hand wobbled “Borz,” sending shockwaves through the arena. For the first time, fans saw Chimaev visibly hurt in the middleweight division.
By the championship rounds, Du Plessis looked like the fresher fighter. While Chimaev continued to show heart and toughness, the South African’s adjustments in strategy allowed him to control the tempo. The fight went the distance, and though razor-close, many observers believed that Du Plessis had done enough to turn the tables from their first meeting.
Did Du Plessis Truly Find the Formula?
The answer depends on perspective. Dricus Du Plessis didn’t “solve” Chimaev in a way that neutralized him completely—few fighters in the world could do that. However, he did demonstrate that Chimaev is not invincible. By surviving the early storm, defending takedowns more effectively, and attacking the legs to slow his opponent, Du Plessis found a path to success. He proved that Chimaev’s style, while devastating, has vulnerabilities when stretched into longer, grueling battles.
What Du Plessis showed in the rematch was not just technical improvement, but also mental growth. He entered the fight with the confidence that he could survive, adapt, and impose his own game plan. That shift in mentality was arguably just as important as the physical adjustments.
Implications for the Middleweight Division
The rematch between Du Plessis and Chimaev carries massive implications for the middleweight division. If Du Plessis is indeed the man who figured out how to handle Chimaev’s relentless pressure, the entire landscape changes. Other contenders will study this fight closely, searching for clues on how to handle the Chechen-born warrior.
For Chimaev, the loss—or even a closely contested decision—doesn’t diminish his status as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. Instead, it highlights areas for improvement. He may need to refine his pacing, develop more striking diversity, and conserve energy for deeper rounds. A third fight between these two warriors would not only be justified but highly anticipated, given the razor-thin margins between them.
The Rivalry Is Far From Over
Rivalries like this are what make MMA so compelling. The storyline of two fighters adapting, evolving, and pushing each other to new heights resonates deeply with fans. Whether Du Plessis truly cracked the code or simply found temporary success, one thing is clear: the rivalry with Chimaev has elevated his career and solidified him as one of the elite middleweights in the world.
Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev remains a nightmare matchup for nearly anyone in the division. His combination of wrestling, strength, and aggression is still unmatched. For many, the fact that Du Plessis was able to stand his ground and force a competitive fight is proof of his own championship pedigree.
Conclusion
So, did Du Plessis find the formula to defeat “Borz” in the rematch? The evidence suggests he did—at least partially. By improving his takedown defense, managing his cardio, and attacking the legs and body of Chimaev, Du Plessis showed that the once-unstoppable force can be slowed down. While the debate over who truly deserved the victory may rage on, there is no doubt that this rivalry has created one of the most intriguing storylines in modern MMA. Fans now eagerly await what comes next, whether it’s a trilogy fight, a title defense, or the continuation of two warriors who refuse to back down from greatness.
