Whatever happens at UFC 319, Dricus du Plessis sees one thing being a certainty when he shares the cage with Khamzat Chimaev.
After successful defenses against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, the next step on Du Plessis’ path toward greatness at 185 pounds could mark his toughest test to date.
Du Plessis will be challenged by Chimaev in Saturday’s main event in Chicago, as the South African attempts to do what no man has in MMA thus far by beating ‘Borz’.
Chimaev has become known for his bursts out of the gate and first-round dominance, with one victim of that being Robert Whittaker in 2024. After dragging the former champion down, Chimaev brutally submitted Whittaker with a face crank.
Du Plessis has not denied the likelihood of the fast-starting Chimaev taking him down at UFC 319. He has, however, rejected all possibility of his challenger completing another potential goal afterwards…
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Dricus du Plessis insists Khamzat Chimaev cannot ‘mentally break’ him at UFC 319
More than just surviving the opening rounds, Du Plessis has outlined his intention to be the hunter on fight night. But that does not mean he is under any illusions when it comes to Chimaev’s skills.
The South African has acknowledged that he will likely find himself on the ground at some point at UFC 319. But when there, he plans to make a statement with his response and show Chimaev that he cannot be broken.
“I’ve always had a (mental coach),” Du Plessis told UFC Unfiltered when discussing his mental fortitude in fights. “I’ve had one for I would say the last eight years.
“We are just weaponizing the mental aspect. I don’t have any issues. It is just strategizing. How we approach (fights), because each opponent is a little bit different.
“Seeing how we can make this even more powerful,” Du Plessis continued. “That is where my mental training comes in…winning the fight before the fight.
“Mentally, I cannot be broken. It is impossible.”
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Dricus du Plessis sends Khamzat Chimaev one last warning ahead of UFC 319
Chimaev is no stranger to being the villain during fight weeks. That was certainly the case when backstage scuffles and a huge weight miss in September 2022 led to fans booing and fighters like Georges St-Pierre criticizing Chimaev’s conduct at UFC 279.
Ahead of Saturday’s event in Chicago, however, ‘Borz’ has been the fan favorite. He received positive receptions at both the press conference and ceremonial weigh-ins, unlike ‘Stillknocks’, who was met with a chorus of boos.
Following Du Plessis and Chimaev’s heated final face-off, the South African sent a warning to ‘Borz’ — and a promise to the fans.
“He’s an absolute beast of an opponent,” Du Plessis told Rogan on stage. “But I can tell you this: I am putting that man to sleep.
“Whether it be on the ground, whether I am knocking him out; I am taking out your boy, and all of you will be cheering.
“I just know it, like every other time,” Du Plessis concluded.