Dricus du Plessis has warned Khamzat Chimaev he’s in for a new and unpleasant experience at UFC 319.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his belt against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, which will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on August 16.
Khamzat Chimaev is a 14-0 Russian who has rarely faced adversity during his perfect MMA career.
Dricus du Plessis believes his opponent is in for a rude awakening when they face off inside the Octagon.
Dricus du Plessis sends pre-fight warning to Khamzat Chimaev
On Tuesday, Du Plessis shared two pictures of him mauling a sparring partner on social media.
The 185lb king added a caption that served as a warning to Chimaev, who has developed a reputation for overwhelming his opponents with relentless wrestling attacks.
“I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit, or how strong,” Du Plessis wrote on Instagram.
“When you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first-time experience and not a pleasant one.
“That’s a promise. As we say in 🇿🇦 built different!! #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed.”
Sean Strickland predicts UFC 319
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland has spent 50 minutes in the Octagon with ‘DDP’.
The wacky American has also sparred with Chimaev, so he’s better placed than most to call their fight.
Strickland recently revealed his expert prediction for du Plessis vs Chimaev ahead of UFC 319.
“They can grapple,” he told Helen Yee. “Someone like me, I’ve been training with these f—— for years, I usually could counter-wrestle and grapple them.
“So, I just don’t know if f—— Dricus can be able to counter-wrestle him. But if he can, I think he wins, hands down.
“I sparred the f—— Chechen, Hands down, I think Dricus wins. It’s just gonna come down to are you gonna be able to stop that [takedown] and counter-wrestle him? You can. It’s not hard.”