There’s arguably no better UFC fight this year than Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.
The next middleweight title fight is a battle of wills as champ du Plessis defends his belt for a third time against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 on Aug. 16 in Chicago.
Chimaev and du Plessis are on a combined 26-fight win streak. Chimaev has ran through his UFC competition with his insane wrestling skills, beating former champs Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker in back-to-back performances.
Meanwhile, Dricus du Plessis is as unorthodox as they come. The middleweight champion has a very awkward but effective fighting style that’s given Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland and Whittaker problems.
Du Plessis has shown incredible heart during his run, overcoming opponents like Derek Brunson and Darren Till while dealing with a breathing handicap that limited his oxygen intake to 8% through his nose.
Till, a training partner of Chimaev’s and one of du Plessis’ toughest opponents to date, seems to be the leading mind when it comes to the UFC 319 headliner.
Darren Till predicts Khamzat Chimaev to finish Dricus du Plessis in two rounds at UFC 319
Given his history with both middleweights, former title challenger Till was asked who’d win between du Plessis and Chimaev.
“With respect, I’m never gonna look past Dricus because he’s super dedicated,” Till said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“He’s super strong. He’s got that awkward style that doesn’t make any sense…
“I think Khamzat will beat him inside two rounds. I really do believe that,” Till added.
“I was speaking to Khamzat on FaceTime the other day because I was meant to be going off to Dubai to help with the camp—Khamzat knows it’s a tough fight. But, Khamzat trains like a beast.”
Speaking of training like a beast, Till appears to be in much better shape than he was years ago following his UFC release.
Darren Till claims he’d beat Dricus du Plessis in the UFC today
Till made his final UFC appearance in 2022 across from du Plessis, the #14-ranked contender at the time.
After nearly getting finished in the first round, Till came to play in round 2 and gave a fatigued du Plessis some trouble in the striking department.
Du Plessis rallied to submit Till with a rear-naked choke in round 3 but years later, the rejuvenated ex-UFC contender likes his chances against the current champion.
“For two years now, I’ve stayed so consistent in the gym,” Till said.
“My boxing’s got so incredibly good. Even my body type’s changed.
“If I went back to the UFC now [at] middleweight. I’d f—— tear Dricus’ head off,” Till claimed.
“Tell Dricus I said f— him. I can’t stand his guts because he’s so s— [that] he’s so good.”