Khamzat Chimaev’s Latest UFC 319 Update Has Du Plessis Losing Sleep

The tension is heating up as Dricus du Plessis prepares for what could be the toughest challenge of his career—defending his UFC middleweight title against the relentless Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. While many fans and fighters see Chimaev’s wrestling as an unstoppable force, du Plessis insists he has the answer—and he’s been putting his claims to the test in brutal fashion during training camp.

But will preparation alone be enough to stop the Chechen powerhouse? According to UFC legend Daniel Cormier, it may not.

Dricus du Plessis Puts a Bounty on Himself in Training Camp

In a rare behind-the-scenes revelation, Dricus du Plessis shared how his coach, Morne Visser, has been pushing him to the limit in preparation for Chimaev’s grappling onslaught.

“You think it’s a joke, but coach doesn’t joke about these things,” du Plessis told reporters, describing a moment where his coach offered a $10,000 reward to anyone in the gym who could take him down during sparring.

The South African champion explained that this challenge wasn’t just a stunt. It was a message—to himself and his team—that no one, not even Khamzat Chimaev, will break his takedown defense without a fight.

“I’m not preparing for an average wrestler. I’m preparing for the best wrestler I’ve faced in MMA, and I’m ready to shut it down,” du Plessis said.

Daniel Cormier Sounds the Alarm: Chimaev’s Cardio Is Being Engineered for War

While du Plessis focuses on anti-wrestling, Daniel Cormier issued a cautionary tale. Speaking on his ESPN show with Chael Sonnen, the former double champ revealed that Chimaev is making serious upgrades to his endurance and preparation.

According to Cormier, Chimaev has been working with Sam Calavitta, the renowned aerospace engineer-turned-strength coach, who previously transformed athletes like TJ Dillashaw into cardio machines during their primes.

“Most people feel that if Chimaev is to struggle, it’s because he’ll get tired. Hey, Chimaev has been out in LA for a while, training with Coach Cal,” Cormier said. “Coach Cal knows how to get dudes in shape. TJ Dillashaw, when he was at his peak, was training with Coach Cal. He will have Chimaev more ready than we’ve ever seen him in his UFC career.”

This revelation changes the narrative. If Chimaev’s gas tank no longer fades after round one, du Plessis could be in for a long, grueling fight.

Caio Borralho Predicts a Fast Finish for Chimaev

Adding fuel to the fire, rising middleweight contender Caio Borralho gave his bold prediction: a first-round win for Chimaev, just like his quick demolition of Robert Whittaker.

“I think it could be as fast as the Whittaker fight. Because people don’t prepare well to fight Khamzat. They think it’s just about training against wrestlers. It’s not about that,” Borralho told MMA Crazy.

Borralho praised du Plessis for constantly proving doubters wrong but warned that Chimaev’s style is unique and difficult to replicate in training. His relentless pressure, chain wrestling, and heavy hands make him a nightmare matchup.

Du Plessis’s Credentials: More Than Just a Paper Champion

Fans would be wrong to underestimate Dricus du Plessis, though. His rise to the top of the middleweight division has been one of the most impressive in recent UFC history.

• Defeated Robert Whittaker via knockout, a feat no other middleweight had accomplished.

• Dominated Israel Adesanya, taking his belt and earning “Performance of the Night” honors.

• Holds wins over former champions and top contenders, proving his skill set is world-class.

Unlike others who’ve fallen to Chimaev, du Plessis is not just hoping to survive the first round. He’s building a strategy to exploit any holes in Chimaev’s game.

The Real Battle: Wrestling vs. Submission Threats

While Chimaev’s wrestling is elite, du Plessis has a dangerous ground game of his own. The South African is a high-level grappler with numerous submission victories on his record. If Chimaev takes him down and leaves an opening, du Plessis could capitalize with a choke or reversal.

This matchup is a stylistic clash:

• Chimaev’s wrestling and pressure

• Du Plessis’s resilience and submission savvy

Fans are eager to see which style will prevail.

Chimaev’s Evolution Under Coach Cal

One of Chimaev’s biggest criticisms in the past was his tendency to slow down in later rounds. Against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, his energy management wasn’t perfect.

But with Coach Sam Calavitta, those issues may be a thing of the past. Calavitta’s approach combines scientific data analysis, individualized nutrition plans, and extreme endurance training. Under his guidance, athletes have reached new peaks in cardio and recovery.

If Chimaev comes into UFC 319 with improved stamina, du Plessis could face a fighter with no obvious weaknesses.

What Could Du Plessis Do Differently?

So far, no opponent has successfully shut down Chimaev’s early onslaught without taking serious damage. Du Plessis might attempt:

• Keeping the fight at range with long kicks and jabs.

• Clinching to neutralize takedown entries.

• Forcing Chimaev to wrestle in reverse, something we haven’t seen.

• Exploiting scramble situations to threaten submissions.

But executing this under Chimaev’s relentless pace is easier said than done.

Fan Perspective: Split Predictions Across the MMA World

The MMA community is split down the middle.

• Some fans see Chimaev’s relentless aggression overwhelming du Plessis early.

• Others believe du Plessis’s championship experience and grit will carry him to another upset.

Both men are unbeaten at middleweight, setting the stage for an epic showdown.

UFC 319: One of the Most Anticipated Title Fights of the Year

This clash headlines UFC 319, one of the most stacked events of the year. With two fan-favorite fighters at the top of their games, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

If Dricus du Plessis wins, he cements himself as the true king of the middleweights, silencing critics who called him a transitional champion.
If Khamzat Chimaev wins, he becomes the scariest force in the division, potentially setting up a super fight with other UFC superstars.

Beyond UFC 319: What’s Next for the Winner?

• If du Plessis wins, potential matchups include rematches with Israel Adesanya or new challengers like Bo Nickal and Caio Borralho.

• If Chimaev wins, the UFC could look to fast-track him into the pound-for-pound conversation with a superfight against Sean Strickland or even a move to light heavyweight.

Final Thoughts: Can Dricus du Plessis Really Stop Khamzat Chimaev’s Wrestling?

Dricus du Plessis is doing everything possible to prepare for the storm that is Khamzat Chimaev. He’s pushing himself in the gym, creating high-pressure scenarios, and fine-tuning his anti-wrestling defense.

But Chimaev isn’t the same fighter we saw gas out in previous bouts. With the legendary Coach Cal in his corner, a recharged gas tank, and his natural killer instinct, he’s evolving into a complete monster.

The question isn’t whether du Plessis is training hard enough. The question is whether anyone, no matter how prepared, can truly stop Borz.

UFC 319 is shaping up to be a war for the ages. Two ferocious athletes. One gold belt. No excuses.