The upcoming middleweight title bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is highly anticipated, potentially ranking among the best UFC fights of the year.
This middleweight championship clash will see the reigning champion, Dricus du Plessis, put his title on the line against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Scheduled as the main event for UFC 319 on August 16th in Chicago, it promises to be a significant contest.
Both Chimaev and du Plessis boast impressive winning records. Chimaev has dominated many of his opponents in the UFC, showcasing exceptional wrestling prowess, recently defeating former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at middleweight.
In contrast, Dricus du Plessis is known for his highly unorthodox yet effective fighting style. This unique approach has posed significant challenges for top contenders and former champions, including Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker, whom he defeated en route to claiming the title from Israel Adesanya.
Du Plessis has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and heart throughout his career, notably overcoming challenges against fighters like Darren Till and Derek Brunson, even while reportedly dealing with a significant breathing issue that restricted nasal oxygen intake.
Given his past experience fighting du Plessis and his current association as a training partner with Chimaev, Darren Till is considered a particularly insightful commentator on the upcoming UFC 319 main event.
Darren Till`s Prediction: Chimaev to Finish Du Plessis Early at UFC 319
With his unique perspective, the former title challenger Darren Till was naturally asked for his prediction on the outcome of the du Plessis vs. Chimaev fight.
Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Till stated, “With respect, I would never underestimate Dricus because he is exceptionally dedicated.”
He acknowledged du Plessis`s strength and his unconventional, hard-to-decipher fighting style.
However, Till ultimately predicted a relatively quick victory for Chimaev, saying, “I believe Khamzat will defeat him within the first two rounds.”
He also mentioned recently speaking with Chimaev, noting, “I spoke to Khamzat the other day… Khamzat recognizes this is a challenging fight. However, Khamzat trains incredibly hard.”
Shifting to his own status, Till commented on his improved physical condition since leaving the UFC, suggesting he`s training with similar intensity.
Till Confidently States He Would Defeat Du Plessis Now
Till`s last fight in the UFC was against du Plessis in 2022, when the latter was ranked #14 in the middleweight division.
Despite being nearly finished in the opening round, Till rallied in the second, creating difficulties for a seemingly fatigued du Plessis in the stand-up exchanges.
Du Plessis eventually recovered to secure a submission victory via rear-naked choke in the third round. However, years later and seemingly revitalized, Till expressed confidence in his ability to defeat the current champion if they were to fight again today.
Till attributed this confidence to his sustained dedication, stating, “For two years, I’ve been incredibly consistent with my training.”
He added, “My boxing has improved dramatically, and even my physique has changed.”
Confidently, Till asserted, “If I returned to the UFC now at middleweight, I would absolutely dismantle Dricus.”
He concluded with a bold, slightly contradictory statement: “Tell Dricus I said [expletive] him. I intensely dislike him because he`s so bad [stylistically] that it makes him incredibly good.”
Jack Thornley