Dricus Du Plessis, one of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) trickiest fighters, took on Russian-Emirati fighter Khamzat Khizarovich Chimaevon Aug. 16.
Du Plessis was born in South Africa, started training at 5 years old, and is a decorated fighter at 31. Du Plessis is characterized by his highly unorthodox fighting style. He applies relentless pressure on his opponents and uses explosive level changes to disguise his strategy.
Chimaev and Du Plessis stepped into the octagon with the middleweight championship of the world on the line. Many speculated the fight would be close, anticipating low action and a stingy technique from both athletes. But Chimaev had other plans.
Chimaev portrays himself as a wrestler. Growing up in Gvardesoke, Russia, Chimaev comes from a wrestling background. From training all day to coming home and taking care of his family, Chimaev is a very dedicated man willing to achieve anything that he desires to.
Coming out of an electric first round, Chimaev accumulated only one significant strike. But, despite the low amount of significant strikes, Chimaev secured four minutes and forty-six seconds of ground control, making the first round an easy victory.
Chimaev’s dominant grappling allowed him to control Du Plessis throughout most of the fight. His use of the crucifix position rocked Du Plessis in the early rounds and allowed Chimaev to have his way with him throughout the fight. Du Plessis spent most of the time on the ground fending off attacks, but in the final round he attempted a comeback.
In the 5th and final round of a grueling fight, Du Plessis knew that he had to make something big happen in order to have a chance to win. After a grueling four rounds, Chimaev’s gas tank was getting low. Du Plessis was able to provide a late scare for Chimaev. He scrambled frantically to get on top and locked in a guillotine choke. If it went, Du Plessis would have made a monumental comeback. However, Chimaev calmly fought it off and secured his victory.
Mr. Tim Carlson, the Director of Enrollment at The Mount said, “I thoroughly expected Chimaev to win. His grappling is second to none, his cardio is top notch- just a ferocious dog.”
Carlson added, “I do expect DDP to return for another shot at the title, but after his performance at [UFC] 319, he is going to need a lot more time and work on his grappling. The division has to keep moving forward, so I do not expect him to return any time soon.”
