UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the most explosive cards of 2025, headlined by a middleweight title clash that fans have been anticipating for years. Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion, is set to defend his title against the undefeated wrecking machine, Khamzat Chimaev, on August 19 at the United Center in Chicago. With both men undefeated in their UFC stints at middleweight, this is more than just a title fight — it’s a battle for dominance, legacy, and respect.

But in the lead-up to the clash, Du Plessis has sent shockwaves through the MMA community with bold comments about Chimaev — praising his skills, but ultimately predicting his downfall. And not just any loss — Du Plessis has declared he plans to break Chimaev in the Octagon.

Respect… and a Warning

In a candid appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Du Plessis didn’t hold back when asked about his upcoming opponent. He acknowledged what many in the sport believe: Khamzat Chimaev is a special talent.

“I think Khamzat is a special fighter,” Du Plessis said. “From the first time I saw him fight I knew this guy was going to be special. 100 percent.”

It’s not often that champions give this level of respect to their challengers. But Du Plessis went further — not just complimenting Chimaev’s skills, but critiquing his tendency to talk more than fight.

“There was a stage where he didn’t fight for like two years,” Du Plessis continued. “He was calling out every single person. That just started getting annoying… He was annoying the sh*t out of me.”

This reflects a sentiment felt by many in the MMA world. While Chimaev’s talent is unquestionable, his erratic fight schedule, medical issues, and constant callouts have drawn criticism.

But Du Plessis is clear: Chimaev is not overrated — but he is beatable.

“He is as good as people think… I just think I’m a lot better than people think.”

“I Will Break Him”

It was during this same interview that Du Plessis dropped the bombshell — a confident, calculated, and chilling promise to not only defeat Chimaev but shatter his aura of invincibility.

“This win for me is going to be history,” Du Plessis said. “You’re going to see the ‘boogeyman,’ you’re going to see him break. You’re going to see him break in there and then realize there’s only one boogeyman, and that’s me.”

This statement isn’t just about bravado. It’s a psychological assault ahead of what might be the toughest fight of Du Plessis’ career. He’s confronting the myth of Chimaev head-on — and claiming ownership of it.

For years, Chimaev has been known as the “boogeyman” of the UFC — a ruthless destroyer who overwhelms his opponents. But Du Plessis is flipping the script. According to the champion, the real nightmare walks into the Octagon with a South African flag on his shoulders.

Chimaev’s Undefeated Path

Khamzat Chimaev, 14-0, has bulldozed his way through three different weight classes, earning finishes in 12 of those bouts. His dominance over fighters like Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, and Gilbert Burns created a mythos around him — one of invincibility and fear.

Yet, questions remain.

His controversial decision win over Kamaru Usman — a welterweight moving up on short notice — exposed possible vulnerabilities. Additionally, his inactivity has cast a shadow over his hype.

That makes UFC 319 his moment of truth. Against a champion who’s peaking and thriving under pressure, Chimaev won’t just need power — he’ll need composure, cardio, and fight IQ.

And he’ll need to prove he belongs in the middleweight elite.

Du Plessis: From Underdog to Alpha

Du Plessis’ journey to the belt was unexpected. Few predicted he’d dethrone Israel Adesanya, but his relentless pressure, iron will, and awkward yet effective striking have made him one of the most dangerous champions in recent memory.

Now 23-2, Du Plessis has not lost since 2018. His wins over Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Marvin Vettori have silenced doubters and earned him legitimate recognition.

“I know that feeling of fighting for your first title,” he said. “He’s going to come in there prepared. I have no doubt… but he’ll realize he’s in with someone who’s a level above.”

His ability to weaponize pressure over five rounds makes him a nightmare matchup — especially for someone who relies heavily on early finishes like Chimaev.

The Stakes Are Monumental

This isn’t just about a championship belt.

• If Chimaev wins, he fulfills years of hype and becomes the new face of the division — possibly even the UFC.

• If Du Plessis retains, he legitimizes his reign and extinguishes the mystique of the “boogeyman” once and for all.

The UFC has also hinted at major promotional plans surrounding this fight. A victory for either man sets up massive future bouts — including potential matchups against Adesanya (again), Sean Strickland, or even light heavyweight crossovers.

What’s Next After UFC 319?

If Du Plessis wins and breaks Chimaev like he claims, it will be one of the most significant title defenses in recent middleweight history. It would set the South African up for possible superstardom, particularly with UFC continuing to target the African market.

If Chimaev wins, it may mark the beginning of a dominant new era. His marketability, undefeated record, and fan appeal could turn him into the most feared champion since Jon Jones in his prime.

But there’s one thing clear from Du Plessis:

“There can be only one boogeyman in the middleweight division — and that will be me.”

On August 19, the world will find out if that bold declaration becomes a chilling reality.