Dricus du Plessis recently expressed his views on a potential rematch against Khamzat Chimaev, offering insight into how he expects their second bout to unfold. The South African fighter is preparing to improve upon his previous encounter by using his own strategy to counter Chimaev’s style.
Their initial clash took place at UFC 319 last August, where Chimaev dominated du Plessis throughout five rounds to claim the middleweight title via unanimous decision. Despite expectations that du Plessis’ skills would challenge Chimaev effectively, the Chechen fighter’s superior grappling ultimately proved decisive.
Du Plessis’ Perspective on Facing Khamzat Chimaev Again
In a recent Fight Forecast interview, du Plessis was asked how he anticipates a rematch with Chimaev would go. He responded clearly:
“Fighting Khamzat again is, of course, what I’m after. Am I expecting any surprises? No. There’s not going to be any surprises. I mean, that’s the way he’s going to fight, and if he tries anything different, it will be a terrible night.” ?Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
He further added his reflections on Chimaev’s performance in their first meeting and his own approach moving forward:
“He did what he had to do to win that belt, and we can’t hate him for that… It’s the rules of the game, and he did it… It’s my responsibility to go out there, fix that, stop him from doing it again, and make him fight my fight.” ?Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
Du Plessis Opens Up About Frustration in Initial Title Fight
During their last fight, du Plessis admitted that he did not enjoy the way the match played out, specifically criticizing Chimaev’s grappling-heavy tactics. In the Fight Forecast interview, du Plessis described his frustration with Chimaev’s strategy aimed at neutralizing his strengths:
“He made sure he stayed out of danger and he fought that fight, and he almost neutralized me in making it a fight, because if we made it a fight, it would have been a different story. But he knew that, so he was smart in that. I mean, frustrating, absolutely, but, as I said, the speed bumps, that’s what makes me better.” ?Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
He also openly admitted to losing interest while inside the octagon due to the fight’s pace and style:
“Like I said on the night, big ups to him… Not the kind of fight that I would have wanted with all the hype. It wasn’t a very fun fight to watch for anyone. I got bored in the fight, and I was in there, to be honest [laughs]. I mean, he did what he had to do to win that belt. If that’s the way that you are going to go, well, good for you. It’s different strokes.” ?Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
What This Rematch Could Mean for Both Fighters
The intense rivalry between du Plessis and Chimaev carries significant weight within the middleweight division. Du Plessis’ acknowledgment of Chimaev’s tactical approach combined with his determination to “make him fight my fight” suggests he plans to alter his strategy substantially in a possible rematch. This could lead to a very different contest, either providing du Plessis the opportunity to reclaim standing or reinforcing Chimaev’s dominance.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely for any official announcements about this rematch, as it has the potential to reshape the middleweight championship landscape. The fight could determine future contenders and alter how these fighters approach their next steps in the UFC.
"In the rematch, I will make him fight my fight" – Dricus Du Plessis aims to drag Khamzat into deep waters and take over the fight.
“Fighting Khamzat is what I’m after. Am I expecting any surprises? No. That’s the way he’s going to fight, and if he tries anything different, it… pic.twitter.com/XXJyxUQLRZ
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 12, 2026
