Former Champ Backs Khamzat Chimaev, After Seeing Israel Adesanya ‘Dominating’ Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305

Former 135-pound title holder Sean O'Malley had given a minor edge to Khamzat Chimaev over Dricus Du Plessis ahead of UFC 319.

Former Champ Backs Khamzat Chimaev, After Seeing Israel Adesanya ‘Dominating’ Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305

After near-domination from ex-champ, Khamzat Chimaev instead picked over Dricus Du Plessis (Source: X)

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Despite his undefeated record and dominant performances, some still see Khamzat Chimaev as a less complex challenge to prepare for. Among them is top-5 middleweight Reinier de Ridder, who criticized Chimaev’s lack of deep-fight experience and questioned his cardio over longer bouts. That theory will be tested on August 16, as UFC 319 headlines in Chicago with a high-stakes middleweight title bout: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.

Chimaev, known for his overwhelming pressure, explosive takedowns, and freestyle wrestling, is a terror in the early rounds. But the reigning champ, Du Plessis, has proven time and again that his unorthodox style and grit are enough to defy expectations. With more Octagon mileage and experience in championship rounds, Du Plessis brings a different level of preparedness.

Fans and analysts remain divided ahead of the clash. Some lean toward Du Plessis’ battle-tested resume, while others believe Chimaev’s raw power and explosiveness could secure a statement finish. Former 135lbs kingpin Sean O’Malley appeared on Mike Perry’s Overdogs podcast, and while he acknowledged Du Plessis’ strong title run, ‘Suga’ gave a slight edge to Chimaev after watching Du Plessis’ UFC 305 defense against Israel Adesanya.

Khamzat vs. DDP is very exciting right now…[But] I just watched DDP vs. Israel this morning before practice. Dude, Izzy was looking so good in that fight DDP took over, but dude! Izzy was for the most [was] dominating…Khamzat is hard to count out; DDP is too. Obviously, everyone keeps counting him out. Khamzat, after what he did to Robert Whittaker, the way he did it to Whittaker, it’s like, holy — yeah, I’mma go with Khamzat on that.

Sean O’Malley on ‘Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry’

In their clash at UFC 305, Izzy was modestly connecting through body shots, range-check shots, and uppercuts, followed by slicers. A prolific kickboxer, Adesanya is prone to using his long range to tab that distance and close in. However, DDP turned things around by taking down the Yoruba and won by a subsequent fourth-round rear-naked choke.

On the other hand, there are always persistent doubts that Chimaev won’t last for more and more rounds. But after he broke through perennial middleweight contender Robert Whittaker with a first-round face crank, narratives changed. Many billed it as easy money for ‘Borz’ to become the kingpin, and with Izzy having initial success against Du Plessis, the Chechen is projected to do an even better job.

However, the South African champ is no easy case. He has already defended his title twice and, with Whittaker included, has touted domination over three ex-champs, including Idesanya and Sean Strickland twice. That too in a fashion that fans and pundits did not think was coming at all. Two weeks out from another title defense at Chicago’s United Center, the South African has already growled back at his naysayers.

Dricus Du Plessis warns detractors that any match with him is a first-hand, first-time hellscape experience

Khamzat Chimaev remains undefeated in MMA, most recently overcoming Robert Whittaker by way of a shocking jaw crank submission, a clear SOTY highlight at UFC 308. Ahead of UFC 319, Sportsbooks at BetOnline.AG has him as a big -200 favorite on the money line. As of July-end, Du Plessis was a +154 underdog to keep hold of his title belt.

Dricus Du Plessis vows to prove his doubters wrong vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus Du Plessis vows to prove his doubters wrong vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Source: X)

After being sidelined by health issues, camp illness, and pullouts, ‘Borz’ is finally locked for his first championship bout inside the Octagon. However, ‘Stillknocks’ is one tough nut to crack. From Du Plessis’s resounding victory over Whittaker at UFC 290 to his title triumphs, the South African has ensured his reign within the confines of the Octagon. Now, ahead of his third title defense, DDP has uploaded a picture on social media and predicted that this fight would be special.

The South African has found success where he shouldn’t in the deep end, and many bill that Chimaev would be clueless against his array of skills. Only time will tell if that prediction holds!

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