Dricus Du Plessis is no stranger to the octagon. With over two dozen UFC fights under his belt and countless other bouts outside the promotion, the current middleweight champ is stepping into what he calls the most monumental fight of his career. This Saturday, UFC 319 will see him face undefeated superstar Khamzat Chimaev in a showdown that Du Plessis says will define his legacy.
In a candid conversation with TMZ Sports, Du Plessis didn’t hold back about the stakes. “This is the hardest fight of my life,” he admitted. “It’s also the biggest fight of my life.”
“The Best Opponent to Date”
Du Plessis made it clear: Chimaev isn’t just another contender—he’s the next great challenge.
“This is the best opponent—to date. Up until now, this is the best guy. He is the No. 1 contender in the world. He is the best guy without a title in the world.”
Despite the high stakes, Du Plessis isn’t letting nerves get the best of him. In fact, he’s thriving on the pressure, fully aware that a victory over the undefeated Chimaev could catapult him into conversations about the greatest of all time.
“I want to be the greatest fighter ever. No doubt. I want to be the GOAT. That’s what I’ve chosen. When I started this sport, that’s what I wanted to be. And I believe the only way to get into that conversation is to fight the best of the best. And Khamzat Chimaev is the next best guy. There’s no doubt. That is 100 percent.”
A Record That Speaks Volumes
At 31, Du Plessis carries a 23-2 record with wins over some of the biggest names in MMA—including Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, and Robert Whittaker. But he knows Saturday’s matchup carries a different weight.
Chimaev, boasting a perfect 14-0 record, presents a unique challenge, one that Du Plessis says is worth every bit of hype. And the venue adds even more inspiration: the fight takes place at the iconic United Center, home to Michael Jordan’s legendary statue.
“Seeing the statue of Michael Jordan going and saying, ‘The best there ever was’ and ‘the best there ever will be,’ man… that’s what I want. I want that.”
The symbolism isn’t lost on Du Plessis. Walking through the arena gave him goosebumps and an extra surge of motivation to perform at his absolute best.
“We Will Live Up to the Hype”
For fight fans worried about a lackluster showdown, Du Plessis promises this bout will deliver.
“We will live up to that hype,” he assured.
With a combination of elite skill, unshakable confidence, and the drive to cement his place in MMA history, Du Plessis isn’t just fighting for a title—he’s fighting for his legacy.
Why This Fight Matters
- GOAT Ambitions: Du Plessis openly declares his goal to be the greatest fighter of all time.
- Record-Setting Potential: Defeating an undefeated opponent like Chimaev could redefine his career.
- Historic Venue: Fighting in the same arena as Michael Jordan’s monument inspires Du Plessis’ next-level mindset.
- Fan Expectations: With both fighters boasting explosive track records, Saturday night promises fireworks.
Whether you’re a hardcore MMA fan or a casual observer, UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about fights of the year. Du Plessis is hungry, motivated, and ready to make history—and he wants everyone watching to know it.
Stay tuned for all the action and exclusive updates from UFC 319. What are your thoughts on Du Plessis vs. Chimaev? Drop a comment below!
