Dricus Du Plessis is on the verge of cementing his place amongst the UFC elite at UFC 319. Facing Khamzat Chimaev on August 16th, Du Plessis is aiming for his third title defense, a feat only three other middleweights in UFC history have accomplished.
Du Plessis's Meteoric Rise
Just a few years ago, Du Plessis was a prospect on the undercard of UFC 264. Now, he's the middleweight champion, showcasing a fast and dominant rise through the ranks. While facing adversity early in his UFC career against opponents like Darren Till and Derek Brunson, he honed his skills at the perfect time.
His victory against Robert Whittaker at UFC 290 solidified his contender status, earning him a title shot against Sean Strickland. Du Plessis seized the opportunity, winning the title and subsequently defending it, marking a significant shift in the middleweight landscape.
UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev - A Clash of Titans
UFC 319 is shaping up to be a monumental event, headlined by Du Plessis defending his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, a highly touted wrestler, has dominated his opponents, rarely losing a round. However, questions remain about his cardio, as he's never experienced championship rounds.
Gilbert Burns, who gave Chimaev arguably his toughest fight at UFC 273, believes Du Plessis has what it takes to win. Burns predicts Chimaev might secure takedowns and control Du Plessis early, but doesn't believe Du Plessis will be finished. He anticipates Du Plessis will weather the storm and capitalize if Chimaev slows down.
The Road Ahead for "Stillknocks"
Du Plessis has expressed interest in potentially moving up in weight in the future, but for now, his focus is on establishing a dominant reign in the middleweight division. He aims to emulate fighters like Islam Makhachev, who prioritized multiple title defenses before considering a move.
Can Dricus Du Plessis overcome the challenge of Khamzat Chimaev and continue his reign as middleweight champion? UFC 319 promises to be an explosive event that could define the future of the division.
- Du Plessis's rapid ascent to the top.
- The challenge posed by the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.
- Gilbert Burns's prediction for the UFC 319 main event.