Du Plessis vs. Chimaev: Will 'Stillknocks' Defend His Title Again?
South African middleweight champion Dricus 'Stillknocks' Du Plessis is gearing up for a massive title defence against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16th. This fight is generating serious buzz, and for good reason. Du Plessis, who claimed the title after a victory against Sean Strickland and a successful defence against Israel Adesanya, is looking to solidify his reign and etch his name in UFC history.
Can Du Plessis Make History?
Du Plessis has the opportunity to become only the fourth middleweight in UFC history to defend the title three times. This would be a significant achievement, considering how quickly he's risen through the ranks. From knocking out Trevin Giles on a UFC undercard to potentially dominating the middleweight division, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
The Chimaev Challenge
However, Khamzat Chimaev presents a formidable challenge. The undefeated Russian fighter is known for his relentless pressure, wrestling prowess, and devastating striking. Some critics have questioned Chimaev's cardio, suggesting Du Plessis might have an advantage in the later rounds. But Chimaev seems to be addressing these concerns, reportedly taking extra precautions to ensure he's in peak condition for the fight.
Chimaev has revealed he's been avoiding public contact to minimize the risk of illness. This highlights his dedication to the fight and his awareness of past health issues that have disrupted his career. He's taking this fight extremely seriously, and that makes him even more dangerous.
Du Plessis' Long-Term Goals
While the immediate focus is on Chimaev, Du Plessis has also expressed interest in moving up in weight class eventually. However, he seems more inclined to establish a dominant reign at middleweight first, similar to Islam Makhachev's approach in the lightweight division. He believes in defending the title multiple times before pursuing a second belt.
UFC 319 promises to be an electrifying event. Will Du Plessis continue his impressive run and defend his title against the surging Chimaev? Or will Chimaev's undefeated streak continue as he claims the middleweight crown? Only time will tell.