The  UFC middleweight division is about to witness one of the most anticipated and violent matchups in recent memory: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis . On the surface, it’s a classic collision of styles: raw aggression vs. methodical destruction. But beneath the hype and highlight reels, Du Plessis believes he’s cracked the code to ending the reign of the undefeated “Wolf.”

And now, the current UFC middleweight champion has finally gone public with his game plan to make Chimaev collapse —mentally, physically, and emotionally—from the opening bell.

Du Plessis sends a chilling warning

In a recent media interview, Dricus Du Plessis minced no words when discussing his potential title defense against Khamzat Chimaev . While acknowledging Chimaev’s skills and savagery, Du Plessis said what most contenders dare not whisper.

“He starts off fast, presenting himself as a beast, but that’s all he knows. What happens when the beast is tamed? I plan to take him down early. From the start, I’ll have the ‘Wolf’ crumble.”

It wasn’t just bravado. Du Plessis explained that Chimaev’s greatest strength, his pressure, can also be his downfall . And with proper planning, Dricus says he will exploit it mercilessly.

Khamzat Chimaev: the undefeated demolition machine

With a perfect body and a professional career , Khamzat Chimaev has swept through competition at both welterweight and middleweight , finishing almost all of his opponents in dominant fashion. From his brutal ground and pound victory over Li Jingliang to his high-stakes win against Kamaru Usman , Chimaev has proven that he is no fluke.

Known for overwhelming opponents in the first round , Chimaev charges like a freight train, suffocating his foes with elite wrestling, vicious control, and savage striking . But critics and fighters alike have pointed out a nagging question:

What happens if the ‘Wolf’ can’t eat in the first round?

That’s exactly what Du Plessis plans to test.

Du Plessis’ game plan: control the chaos

Dricus Du Plessis , the South African powerhouse who defeated Sean Strickland to capture UFC gold, believes Chimaev’s style is a double-edged sword. While Chimaev thrives on chaos, Du Plessis thrives on capitalizing on chaos .

“Chimaev feels uncomfortable when he’s not in control. He panics if you don’t retreat. I’m not doubling. I accompany him, take away his space, and hit him at his own pace.”

It’s not idle talk. Du Plessis has proven time and again that he’s durable, intelligent, and relentless , breaking down elite fighters like Whittaker and Darren Till with strategic pressure and unexpected volume.

The Mental War: “He’s never faced a monster like me”

Du Plessis made it clear that this fight isn’t just physical, it’s psychological . He claims that Chimaev has only fought opponents who feared him before entering the cage.

“Everyone has given him too much respect. I won’t do it. I don’t see a monster. I see a man. And I’m going to break that man piece by piece.”

Du Plessis cited his ability to fight adversity as another advantage.

“He’s never had to go deep. I’ve been deep, I’ve bled, I’ve fought. Let’s see how he reacts when Plan A doesn’t work.”

UFC 319: The date fans can’t wait for

The matchup is reportedly destined for UFC 319 , and fans are already buzzing with excitement. The story sells itself:

• The undefeated giant versus the strategic champion
• Wolf vs. War General
• Raw emotion vs. unbreakable mindset

The UFC is planning a massive promotional campaign leading up to the event, and it is expected to be one of the highest-grossing middleweight fights in recent history .

Chimaev responds: “You will regret every word.”

Never one to keep quiet, Khamzat Chimaev hit back at Du Plessis on social media just hours after the interview was published.

“Now talk big. When the door closes, I’ll crush him. Make him beg. He’ll regret every word.”

He also posted a video of himself training with the caption:
“You can’t break what you can’t touch.”

While Chimaev remains focused, many believe this is the first time he’s faced a real mental chess match —one who isn’t intimidated by his aura.

Fighter Reactions: The MMA World Chooses Sides

This brewing war has divided the MMA community. Some fighters support Chimaev’s relentless aggression, while others believe Du Plessis’s calm and calculated violence will prevail.

Israel Adesanya , former champion:

“Chimaev’s pressure is savage, but Dricus knows how to ruin savage fighters. This is a 50/50.”

Chael Sonnen ANALYZER:

“Du Plessis has the plan. Stay calm, ride out the storm, and then take control. If anyone can do it, it’s him.

Michael BispingComentador

“Don’t underestimate the wolf. He hasn’t lost for a reason. But this is his toughest test by far.”

Why Du Plessis’s confidence isn’t just hype

Unlike some of Chimaev’s past opponents, Du Plessis isn’t trying to survive, he’s trying to dominate . And he has the tools:

• Exceptional conditioning
• Unorthodox but effective blow
• Underrated grab and takedown defense
• Proven toughness and championship mentality

Most importantly, Du Plessis doesn’t get flustered . In his war with Sean Strickland, he showed composure under fire and made crucial mid-fight adjustments.

It doesn’t take perfection. It just takes time for Chimaev’s storm , then take charge.

Tactical Breakdown: What the Fight Might Look Like

Here’s a possible round-by-round scenario:

Round 1:
Chimaev rushes in as he always does. He takes Du Plessis to the fence, lands strong shots, maybe even secures a takedown. But Du Plessis survives.

Round 2:
Chimaev slows down a bit. Du Plessis starts targeting the body, taking shots and making Chimaev question himself. The tide begins to turn.

Round 3:
Du Plessis now controls the tempo. He lands clean punches, extends takedowns, and dominates positionally. Chimaev begins to fade.

Round 4-5:
If the fight goes to the championship rounds, most believe Du Plessis will completely take over , breaking the “wolf” in front of millions.

Of course, there’s also the possibility that Chimaev does what he always does: crushes early and never lets up .

In any case, this fight promises violence and drama at the highest level .

The Last Word: Clash of Belief Systems

In the end, this isn’t just a fight between two major contenders. It’s a battle between belief systems :

• Khamzat Chimaev , the invincible force that refuses to lose
• Dricus Du Plessis , the battle-tested champion who refuses to break

Both men believe they are destined for greatness. But only one will take home the gold and the legacy.

As Du Plessis said:

“He calls himself a wolf. That’s fine. But when the lights go out and the cage door closes, he’ll see it’s me who’s hunting.”