Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis: Will the UFC Finally Make It Happen?

Aug 16, 2025

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis: A Middleweight Collision Course?

The UFC middleweight division is a shark tank, and two of the most feared predators circling are Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis. Both fighters possess unique skills, undeniable aggression, and a burning desire to reach the top. A potential clash between these two has been a constant topic of conversation among fans and analysts alike. But will the UFC actually book this highly anticipated fight? Let's delve into the factors at play.

The Allure of the Matchup: Why Fans Crave Chimaev vs. Du Plessis

The appeal of a Chimaev vs. Du Plessis bout stems from a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, it's a clash of styles that promises fireworks. Chimaev, known as "Borz," is a relentless wrestler with devastating ground-and-pound and surprisingly effective striking. Du Plessis, on the other hand, is a powerful striker with an unorthodox style and a granite chin. The contrast in their approaches makes for a fascinating strategic dynamic.

Beyond the stylistic matchup, there's the undeniable star power of both fighters. Chimaev's meteoric rise in the UFC, coupled with his brash personality, has made him a massive draw. Du Plessis's impressive winning streak and his memorable championship win against Sean Strickland has cemented his status as a legitimate contender and a captivating presence. Pitting these two against each other guarantees a high-stakes, high-drama affair.

Here's a breakdown of why this fight is so compelling:

Striking vs. Grappling: The classic MMA dichotomy played out at the highest level.
Aggression and Intensity: Both fighters are known for their relentless pressure and forward-moving style.
High Stakes: A win would catapult either fighter closer to a title shot.
Marketability: The fight has all the ingredients to be a major pay-per-view draw.

The Obstacles to Making the Fight Happen

Despite the widespread demand, several factors could prevent the UFC from booking Chimaev vs. Du Plessis. These include:

1. Khamzat Chimaev's Weight Issues and Health Concerns

Chimaev's struggles with weight cutting have been well-documented. He missed weight significantly for his scheduled fight against Nate Diaz, leading to a complete reshuffling of the UFC 279 card. This incident raised serious questions about his ability to consistently compete at welterweight, and subsequently, his future has mostly been at middleweight. Beyond weight cutting, he has suffered from lingering health issues (reported to be related to COVID-19 complications) that have affected his training and performance. If Chimaev cannot reliably make weight or maintain his health, the UFC may be hesitant to book him in a high-profile fight, especially against a champion or top contender.

2. Dricus Du Plessis's Career Trajectory and Title Aspirations

After winning the middleweight championship against Sean Strickland, Du Plessis is now holding the belt. It is yet to be confirmed when Du Plessis is planning to defend his title. His immediate priority is likely to defend his championship title. Taking a non-title fight against Chimaev, while potentially lucrative, carries significant risk. If Du Plessis loses, it would derail his title reign and set him back significantly. This calculation could make Du Plessis and his team less inclined to accept a fight against Chimaev, especially if a more straightforward title defense is available.

3. The UFC's Matchmaking Strategy and Title Picture

The UFC's matchmaking decisions are often driven by a complex interplay of factors, including rankings, marketability, and narrative. While Chimaev vs. Du Plessis is an exciting fight on paper, it may not align with the UFC's broader strategy for the middleweight division. The UFC might prefer to book Chimaev against a different opponent to build him up gradually, or they might have other plans for Du Plessis's next title defense. The overall title picture and the availability of other contenders will also influence the UFC's decision-making process.

4. Contractual Negotiations and Fighter Compensation

Negotiating contracts and agreeing on fighter compensation can be a significant hurdle in booking any fight. Chimaev and Du Plessis are both valuable assets to the UFC, and their respective camps will likely seek favorable terms. Disagreements over financial compensation or other contractual issues could potentially derail the fight, even if both fighters are willing to compete. While these details are usually kept private, they play a crucial role in the negotiation process.

Analyzing the Fighters: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Potential Game Plans

To better understand the dynamics of a potential Chimaev vs. Du Plessis fight, let's examine each fighter's strengths, weaknesses, and possible game plans.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Wrestling Juggernaut

Strengths:
Elite Wrestling: Chimaev's takedowns are powerful and relentless. He can control opponents on the ground and inflict damage with his ground-and-pound.
Aggressive Striking: While primarily a wrestler, Chimaev possesses heavy hands and a willingness to engage in striking exchanges.
Cardio and Pressure: He maintains a high pace and constantly pressures his opponents.
Confidence and Intimidation: Chimaev exudes confidence and can mentally break down his opponents before the fight even begins.
Weaknesses:
Weight Cutting Issues: As mentioned earlier, this is a major concern.
Striking Defense: While his offense is potent, his striking defense can be vulnerable at times.
Mental Fortitude Under Pressure: While usually confident, he showed frustration in the fight against Gilbert Burns.

Potential Game Plan: Chimaev's most likely strategy would be to utilize his wrestling to take Du Plessis down and control him on the ground. He would look to wear Du Plessis down with relentless pressure and ground-and-pound, eventually securing a submission or a TKO victory.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Unorthodox Powerhouse

Strengths:
Knockout Power: Du Plessis possesses devastating knockout power in both hands.
Unorthodox Striking: His unpredictable style makes him difficult to read and defend against.
Chin and Durability: He has proven to be incredibly durable and can withstand significant punishment.
Mental Toughness: Du Plessis is known for his unwavering determination and ability to overcome adversity.
Weaknesses:
Wrestling Defense: His takedown defense is not his strongest area.
Ground Game: While improving, his grappling skills are not on par with Chimaev's.
Sometimes leaves himself open to strikes.

Potential Game Plan: Du Plessis would likely aim to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking power to knock Chimaev out. He would need to maintain distance, avoid takedowns, and capitalize on any openings in Chimaev's striking defense.

The Path to Making the Fight a Reality: What Needs to Happen?

For Chimaev vs. Du Plessis to materialize, several key factors need to align:

Chimaev Needs to Demonstrate Consistency: He needs to prove that he can consistently make weight and maintain his health. A dominant win at middleweight against a ranked opponent would go a long way in convincing the UFC and Du Plessis that he is a reliable contender.
Du Plessis Needs to Be Open to the Fight: As the champion, he has some say in his opponent selection. He needs to be convinced that fighting Chimaev is the right move for his career, both financially and strategically.
The UFC Needs to See the Value: The UFC needs to believe that the fight will generate enough revenue and excitement to justify the risk involved. A strong marketing campaign and a compelling narrative would be crucial.
Contractual Negotiations Need to Be Smooth: Both fighters and their representatives need to agree on fair compensation and other terms. This process can be complex and time-consuming, but it's essential for making the fight a reality.

Predicting the Outcome: Who Would Win?

Predicting the outcome of a potential Chimaev vs. Du Plessis fight is a difficult task, as both fighters possess the skills and attributes to win. However, based on their respective strengths and weaknesses, here's a possible scenario:

If the fight stays standing, Du Plessis would have a significant advantage. His striking power and unorthodox style could overwhelm Chimaev. However, if Chimaev is able to secure takedowns and control Du Plessis on the ground, he would likely dominate the fight. The key would be Chimaev's ability to implement his wrestling game plan and avoid getting caught by Du Plessis's power punches.

Given Chimaev's wrestling pedigree and relentless pressure, he would likely be favored in this matchup. However, Du Plessis's power and durability make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. This fight would be a true test of skill, will, and strategy, and the winner would undoubtedly solidify their place as one of the top middleweights in the world.

Alternative Opponents: What Other Options Are Available?

If Chimaev vs. Du Plessis fails to materialize, both fighters have other viable options in the middleweight division.

Possible Opponents for Khamzat Chimaev:

Robert Whittaker: A former champion and perennial contender, Whittaker would be a tough test for Chimaev.
Sean Strickland: A rematch against the former champion could generate significant interest.
Jared Cannonier: A powerful striker with a strong wrestling base, Cannonier would be a compelling matchup.
Paulo Costa: A high-profile fight against another brash and aggressive fighter.

Possible Opponents for Dricus Du Plessis:

Israel Adesanya: A mega-fight against the popular former champion could be a big draw.
Robert Whittaker: A fight against a former champion in a potential title defense
The Winner of Sean Strickland vs. Anyone: Could be a rematch or a fresh contender.

The Fans' Perspective: Why We Need This Fight

Ultimately, the demand for Chimaev vs. Du Plessis is driven by the fans' desire to see exciting and meaningful matchups. This fight represents a clash of styles, personalities, and aspirations. It has the potential to be a classic battle that will be remembered for years to come. The UFC should prioritize making this fight happen, as it would undoubtedly be a major draw and a significant boost for the middleweight division.

The anticipation surrounding this potential fight underscores the importance of matchmaking in the UFC. Fans want to see the best fighters competing against each other in compelling matchups that push them to their limits. Chimaev vs. Du Plessis embodies this ideal, and the UFC should do everything in its power to bring this dream fight to fruition.

Conclusion: Will the UFC Deliver?

The question remains: Will the UFC finally give fans what they want and book Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis? While there are obstacles to overcome, the potential rewards are too great to ignore. This fight has all the ingredients to be a massive success, and the UFC should make every effort to make it happen. The middleweight division needs this fight, and the fans deserve to see it.

Only time will tell if Chimaev vs. Du Plessis becomes a reality. But one thing is certain: the anticipation and excitement surrounding this potential matchup will continue to grow until the UFC either makes it happen or moves on to other plans. For now, fight fans can only dream of the day when these two warriors finally collide in the Octagon.