Dricus Du Plessis, the newly crowned UFC Middleweight Champion, isn’t afraid to stir the pot. As speculation grows around a potential superfight with Khamzat Chimaev, Du Plessis has taken the spotlight with bold claims. Not only did he mock the Chechen-born contender by predicting a decision victory over him, but he also hinted at why UFC has accelerated Khamzat’s career—and what that says about the organization’s strategy.

In a sport where mental warfare often begins long before fighters step into the cage, Du Plessis’ recent remarks have added fuel to a rivalry that could become one of the UFC’s most intense. His comments expose deeper issues surrounding favoritism, hype-driven promotion, and meritocracy inside the UFC octagon.

Dricus Du Plessis: “I Will Win by Decision”

Dricus Du Plessis has built a reputation as a gritty, adaptable fighter with cardio to last five rounds. While he’s known for finishing fights, the South African shocked fans during a recent interview by declaring: “I will beat Khamzat by decision.”

“I’ve studied his style. He’s dangerous early, but the longer the fight goes, the more he fades,” Du Plessis said. “I’ve fought five rounds against elite guys like Sean Strickland. Khamzat hasn’t. I don’t need a knockout to beat him—I’ll drag him into deep water and outwork him. That’s my game.”

Du Plessis’ claim is not unfounded. While Khamzat Chimaev is unbeaten, most of his fights have ended early. Only his 2022 war with Gilbert Burns showcased how he handles adversity—and even then, some felt Burns exposed his vulnerabilities.

For Du Plessis, a decision victory would be a power statement—not only proving his skillset but also silencing doubters who believe Chimaev’s wrestling is too dominant.

Chimaev’s Quick Rise: Organic or Orchestrated?

One of the most polarizing aspects of Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC journey is how quickly he rose through the ranks. From making his debut on Fight Island in 2020 to being treated as a potential title contender in multiple weight classes, many fans—and fighters—have questioned the legitimacy of his push.

Du Plessis didn’t hold back when asked why the UFC has been so eager to market Chimaev.

“There’s a machine behind him,” he said. “It’s not just about skill. It’s marketing. The UFC sees a star who can attract fans in the Middle East, Russia, Sweden—he’s global. They’re fast-tracking him because he’s marketable. But just because someone’s a star doesn’t mean they’re the best.”

His comments strike a nerve at the heart of the UFC’s promotion model. The UFC is a business, and sometimes it puts hype ahead of merit. Du Plessis is calling that out—and making a case that real contenders should earn their spot.

He added, “I didn’t get here by being flashy on social media. I earned my title by beating top-ranked guys. Khamzat skipped the line. Now he’s coming for the title? Not so fast.”

How Du Plessis Sees Himself vs. Chimaev

In terms of style matchup, Du Plessis believes he has the perfect tools to beat Chimaev. While many fear Chimaev’s relentless wrestling, Du Plessis is confident that he can stuff the takedowns, stay composed, and win the long game.

“He comes out wild in the first round,” Du Plessis said. “That’s when most of his opponents fold. But what happens when that doesn’t work? What happens when the guy in front of him doesn’t break? That’s what I bring.”

In his own words, Du Plessis is the “nightmare opponent” for Khamzat. He believes that the longer the fight goes, the more frustrated Chimaev will become. He even referenced Chimaev’s close win over Gilbert Burns as a turning point in how fighters view him.

“Burns gave him hell. That showed the world he’s not unbeatable,” Du Plessis said. “I’ve gone the distance with hard men. Khamzat hasn’t. I’ll stay in his face for five rounds, and when the final horn sounds, there will be no doubt—I’m the real champ.”

UFC’s Dilemma: Star Power vs. Champion’s Merit

The UFC faces a dilemma it’s all too familiar with: push the fighter who generates buzz or reward the champion who’s proven himself the hard way. Du Plessis represents the latter—grinding his way through the rankings, taking tough fights, and ultimately defeating Sean Strickland to claim the middleweight belt.

Khamzat, on the other hand, is a marketing machine. With massive popularity in regions like the Middle East, Russia, and Scandinavia, he brings in viewership numbers the UFC can’t ignore.

And yet, this push has created tension. Fans and fighters alike are questioning if Khamzat’s path is being paved too easily. As Du Plessis said, “There are no shortcuts in this game. Not if you want to be the real champion.”

If the UFC books this fight soon—as Dana White has hinted—it could be seen as a clash of ideologies: hype versus hard work, viral fame versus veteran grit.

What’s Next: Is the Fight Already in Motion?

While no fight has been officially announced, UFC insiders suggest that Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is being targeted for late 2025, possibly on a massive international card. If it happens, it will likely be one of the biggest middleweight fights in years.

Du Plessis has already said he’s ready. “If Khamzat wants the smoke, he can have it,” he declared. “But he better be ready for five rounds of pain. I’m not Burns. I’m not Holland. I’m the champion—and he’ll feel that.”

Khamzat, for his part, hasn’t responded directly to Du Plessis’ latest jabs. But given his reputation for firing back on social media, it’s likely only a matter of time before this war of words heats up further.

The Fans Weigh In: Support for Du Plessis Growing

Interestingly, fan sentiment seems to be shifting. While Chimaev remains a popular figure, many are now voicing support for Du Plessis’ stance.

On social media, UFC fans have echoed Du Plessis’ comments, with one popular post reading: “Finally, someone is calling out the UFC for how they treat hype trains. Dricus is the champ—we should be backing him, not the guy with 0 middleweight wins in the UFC.”

Others argue that while Chimaev is dangerous, he hasn’t earned the shot—especially compared to other contenders like Jared Cannonier, Robert Whittaker, or even Paulo Costa.

“Chimaev is 1-0 at middleweight, and it was a razor-thin win over Usman, who isn’t even a 185er,” another fan commented. “Let’s stop pretending he’s the rightful next in line.”

Final Thoughts: Hype Will Meet Reality

No matter how the UFC chooses to move forward, one thing is clear: Dricus Du Plessis has embraced his role as the underdog champion fighting for respect. By calling out Khamzat’s rise, challenging UFC politics, and predicting a gritty, decision-based victory, Du Plessis is laying the groundwork for a showdown that’s as much about pride as it is about gold.

In doing so, he’s also reigniting interest in a middleweight division that needed fresh drama.

If Du Plessis gets his way, we’ll soon see whether Khamzat Chimaev’s hype train can survive five championship rounds—or whether it derails against the iron will of a champion who refuses to be overlooked.