Khamzat Chimaev v. Dricus DuPlessis: Who Takes Control of the Middleweight Division?
The long-awaited matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis is finally set for August at UFC 318 in Chicago. These two have been circling each other for a while, and it always felt inevitable. Both are undefeated in the UFC, riding impressive win streaks, and possess dangerous, well-rounded skill sets with serious finishing abilities. So, who takes control of the Middleweight Division? Let’s break down how these fighters match up.
Dricus Du Plessis
The current Middleweight Champion has taken the division by storm since joining the UFC in 2020, thanks to his unorthodox style and versatility. Du Plessis blends solid grappling and submission skills with a striking approach that, while unconventional, is difficult to predict. At times, he seems to rush opponents awkwardly, but with his knockout power, those wild exchanges often favor him. One of Du Plessis’ biggest assets is his unpredictability. He adjusts his approach based on the opponent, opting for a measured striking battle against Sean Strickland but switching to a wrestling-heavy game plan against Israel Adesanya. To succeed against Chimaev, Du Plessis needs to maintain that unpredictability. Khamzat is known for his relentless first-round wrestling attacks, so keeping the fight standing early, or even surprising him with offensive takedown attempts, could throw off his rhythm. Dricus must also focus on tightening his takedown defense, as there will be key moments when preventing a Chimaev takedown could shift the fight in his favor.
Khamzat Chimaev
One of the best wrestlers in the UFC today, Khamzat Chimaev, is looking to continue his dominant run and capture Middleweight gold. He’s built his reputation on overwhelming opponents with early takedowns, quickly working to secure a rear-naked choke or ground-and-pound finish. His speed and power on takedowns make him a nightmare matchup for nearly anyone in the division. However, one of Khamzat’s known vulnerabilities is his cardio. In past fights, he’s shown signs of fatigue in the later rounds, a potential liability in a five-round title bout. For Chimaev to win this fight, he’ll need to control the early rounds with clean takedowns and positional dominance while avoiding unnecessary damage in striking exchanges. Defending against Du Plessis' unpredictable offense — both on the feet and in grappling — will be crucial. If the fight stretches into the championship rounds, Khamzat must manage his gas tank and avoid prolonged striking battles where Du Plessis could exploit openings.
Conclusion
This is the fight fans have been waiting for, and it could reshape the Middleweight division moving forward. The clash of styles — Chimaev’s relentless wrestling against Du Plessis’ unpredictable, all-terrain game — makes for one of the most intriguing title fights of the year. Expect momentum swings, explosive exchanges, and a battle that could very well determine who rules the Middleweight landscape heading into 2026. Overall, I believe Khamzat’s wrestling ability and relentless pressure might be too much for Dricus Du Plessis to handle over five rounds. If Chimaev can impose his game early and avoid extended striking exchanges, it’s his fight to lose.
Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via Round Two Submission
