ence. He gets into opponents’ heads before the fight even begins. He fights like he’s on a mission to hurt—not just win. That aura has made seasoned veterans hesitate, freeze, or panic under pressure.

Du Plessis is tough—no doubt—but even toughness has limits. If Chimaev smashes him early, those limits will be tested like never before.

Once Chimaev gets comfortable in the Octagon—once he “takes control”—it’s usually game over.

What Would It Take for Du Plessis to Survive?

For Du Plessis to win this fight, he’ll have to:

1. Survive the first two rounds.

2. Neutralize the takedown threat—or at least scramble back to his feet quickly.

3. Turn the fight into a brawl where he can test Chimaev’s cardio and composure.

4. Land something big to make Chimaev think twice about charging in.

It’s possible. But it’s a narrow path.

And based on what we’ve seen, once Chimaev gets his hands on you, there’s no reset button.

UFC 319: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher

This fight isn’t just about gold. It’s about dominance, legacy, and the future of the UFC middleweight division.

• A win for Du Plessis means validation. It cements him as more than a gritty survivor—it makes him a real force.

• A win for Chimaev sends shockwaves. It launches him into superstardom and sets up massive matchups against names like Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, or even a jump to light heavyweight.

But only one man will leave Las Vegas with the belt—and the odds suggest it will be Chimaev who stands tall.

What Happens After UFC 319?

If Chimaev wins decisively, the narrative shifts dramatically:

• The Khamzat Era begins at 185.

• Superfights become inevitable.

• Du Plessis may be forced to regroup or consider a move to 205 pounds if he struggles to make weight or sustain damage.

This fight will likely define 2025’s middleweight storyline. And once Chimaev takes control, it could also mark the end of Du Plessis’s time at the top.

Expert Predictions Pour In

UFC analysts and ex-fighters are already weighing in:

• Michael Bisping: “If Khamzat gets that first takedown, I don’t see Dricus getting up. It’ll be a mauling.”

• Daniel Cormier: “Wrestling is the great equalizer, and Khamzat’s wrestling is next level. This might not be competitive.”

• Chael Sonnen: “I love Du Plessis’s grit, but he’s about to meet a monster.”

The Final Prediction: Brutality Incoming

As bold as it may sound, this could be Chimaev’s easiest fight in years. If he fights smart, paces himself, and doesn’t get caught up in a war, he’ll take Du Plessis down and maul him.

Expect a round 2 TKO or submission after relentless pressure and top control.

This won’t just be a win—it’ll be a statement.

Conclusion: When Chimaev Takes Control, It’s Already Over

When the Octagon door shuts at UFC 319, all the hype, trash talk, and speculation will fade away. What will remain is a storm named Khamzat Chimaev, barreling toward the middleweight title with unstoppable force.

If Dricus Du Plessis can’t stop the storm early, then it won’t matter how tough he is or how awkward his style is. Because once Chimaev takes control, it’s not a fight anymore.