Why Khamzat Chimaev Will Beat Dricus du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight Championship

The UFC Middleweight Championship clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis is one of the most highly anticipated title fights in recent memory. Both fighters are undefeated inside the UFC and bring unique, dangerous skill sets. However, when you break down the styles, experience, and fight IQ, there’s a strong case for why Khamzat Chimaev will leave with the belt around his waist.

1. Elite Wrestling to Neutralize Du Plessis’ Power

Chimaev’s world-class wrestling is unmatched in the middleweight division. His ability to close distance, secure double-leg takedowns, and dominate top position has been the foundation of his undefeated UFC run. Du Plessis thrives in chaotic striking exchanges, but Chimaev’s positional control will keep him off-balance and deny him the ability to land his heaviest shots. In a five-round title fight, control and pace are everything.

2. Fight-Ending Submission Game

The moment this fight hits the mat, Chimaev’s submission threat becomes a huge factor. From rear-naked chokes to guillotines, he has the skill to finish the fight at any moment. Du Plessis has never faced someone with Chimaev’s combination of squeeze strength, grappling fluidity, and top pressure. In a title bout, one small mistake on the ground could end his championship reign before it begins.

3. Sharper, More Efficient Striking

While Du Plessis brings power and awkward angles, Chimaev’s striking is compact, clean, and efficient. He uses crisp jabs, straight rights, and calculated counters to set up his takedowns. Du Plessis’ wide, looping punches may work against less disciplined strikers, but against Chimaev’s precision, they create dangerous openings.

4. Championship-Level Cardio and Pace

In a five-round championship fight, cardio is often the deciding factor. Chimaev’s relentless pace, honed through years of wrestling and MMA conditioning, is built to break opponents over time. Du Plessis has shown signs of slowing in high-intensity fights, and Chimaev’s suffocating pressure—whether in the clinch or on the mat—will only accelerate that fatigue.

5. Proven Mental Toughness Under Pressure

Chimaev has faced elite competition across weight classes, including former champions and top contenders. His ability to adapt mid-fight and maintain composure even when tested makes him a dangerous opponent in high-stakes situations. In a title fight environment, this mental edge can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Prediction

Dricus du Plessis is a proud champion and a dangerous finisher, but Khamzat Chimaev’s elite wrestling, suffocating pressure, and fight IQ make him the likely new king of the middleweight division. Expect Chimaev to drag Du Plessis into deep waters, dominate the grappling exchanges, and finish the fight via submission in the championship rounds.

Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via Submission (Round 4) — and the new UFC Middleweight Champion.