Chimaev has a point to prove, but Du Plessis is unbeatable for good reason

The South African has the weight and experience advantage, but the Russian is a relentless wrestler with naked ambition.

- By Keanan Hemmonsbey

Dricus du Plessis, South Africa's middleweight mixed martial arts (MMA) superstar, will face one of the toughest tests of his career when he faces off against Russian phenom Khamzat Chimaev.

The title bout takes place early on Sunday, 17 August (South African time) as the main event of UFC 319. It is being held at the United Center in Chicago.

Du Plessis has gone into every one of his nine fights in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) as the underdog, bar his title defence against Sean Strickland, and come out with his hand raised by the referee.

With each new opponent placing a new repertoire of skills in front of the rampaging South African the sentiment remains the same: "this time it's different" and "this time he will lose". But, by virtue of first scaling the UFC middleweight rankings and earning a title shot, then bludgeoning the belt off Strickland and defending it twice more against Israel Adesanya and Strickland, Du Plessis has exhibited that the more things change, the more they stay the same.

Chimaev, though, is one of the more terrifying fighters in any division of the UFC and a deserved title contender. The Russian, who has a penchant for grappling and wrestling, is also undefeated since entering the UFC in 2020, although he has spent most of his time in the welterweight division.

Chimaev is a finishing machine. Only two of his eight UFC fights have gone to decision. He has finished an incredible five fights in the first round and another, his debut fight in the organisation against John Phillips back in 2020, ended in a trademark Chimaev submission.