The UFC is set to deliver yet another blockbuster fight as UFC President Dana White has identified Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev as a priority for UFC 320 in Abu Dhabi. This matchup promises to be one of the most explosive middleweight title fights in recent memory, featuring two of the division’s most aggressive and relentless fighters.

With Du Plessis fresh off his title victory and Chimaev looking to seize UFC gold for the first time, the stakes could not be higher. Here’s a deep dive into their fighting styles, recent performances, potential strategies, and a breakdown of what fans can expect from this high-octane showdown.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Reigning Middleweight Champion

A New Era Begins

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis (23-2-0) shocked the world by defeating Sean Strickland to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship. His victory marked the arrival of a new force in the division—one with relentless forward pressure, knockout power, and an iron will to win.

Du Plessis has won all seven of his UFC fights, with his most impressive performances coming against top-ranked contenders like Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till. His unorthodox movement, powerful striking, and underrated grappling make him a dangerous champion.

Strengths & Key Advantages

• Durability & Toughness: Du Plessis has shown the ability to absorb damage and keep pushing forward, breaking opponents with his relentless pace.
• Powerful Striking: His awkward yet effective striking style generates serious knockout power.
• Grappling & Submissions: Although known for his striking, Du Plessis has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has secured multiple submission victories.
• Cardio & Pressure Fighting: He wears opponents down over time, making them uncomfortable in long fights.

However, despite his impressive rise, Du Plessis has yet to face a grappler as dominant as Khamzat Chimaev. That will be his ultimate test in this fight.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Wrecking Machine

A Monster in the Making

Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev (14-0-0) has been one of the most feared fighters in the UFC since making his debut in 2020. His ability to ragdoll elite opponents, combined with his ferocious striking and elite wrestling, makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the middleweight division.

Chimaev has dominated opponents across multiple weight classes, including Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Kamaru Usman. His most recent fight against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 showcased his high-level grappling, securing a hard-fought majority decision victory.

Strengths & Key Advantages

• Elite Wrestling: Chimaev is arguably the best wrestler in the middleweight division, able to take down and control any opponent.
• Explosive Power: He can finish fights on the feet or the ground, making him extremely dangerous.
• Relentless Pace: Chimaev never stops pressing forward, overwhelming his opponents with constant pressure.
• Iron Chin & Toughness: He has absorbed powerful shots and continued fighting, proving his durability.

However, questions about his cardio and ability to maintain dominance in later rounds still linger, especially in a five-round championship fight against a fighter like Du Plessis.

Potential Fight Strategies & Key Factors

Du Plessis’ Game Plan: Drag Chimaev Into Deep Waters

For Du Plessis, the key to victory lies in surviving the early storm and making the fight ugly. Chimaev will likely come out aggressively, looking for an early takedown or knockout. If Du Plessis can weather the storm and force the fight into the later rounds, his superior cardio and ability to adapt under pressure could tilt the fight in his favor.

Key strategies for Du Plessis:

• Stuff the early takedowns: Chimaev is most dangerous in the first two rounds. If Du Plessis can keep the fight standing and force Chimaev to expend energy, he’ll have a greater chance of success.
• Mix in striking and grappling: While primarily a striker, Du Plessis has the grappling s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to threaten Chimaev with submissions if necessary.
• Break Chimaev’s will: Few fighters have tested Chimaev’s endurance. If Du Plessis can survive the first few rounds, he could take over the fight as Chimaev tires.

Chimaev’s Game Plan: Dominate With Wrestling & Pressure

Chimaev’s best path to victory is simple: take Du Plessis down early, impose his will, and finish the fight as soon as possible.

Key strategies for Chimaev:

• Exploit his wrestling advantage: If Chimaev can land an early takedown, he has the s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s to control Du Plessis and potentially finish him with ground-and-pound or a submission.
• Avoid prolonged exchanges: Du Plessis thrives in high-volume, chaotic fights. Chimaev should look to neutralize his striking by keeping the fight on the ground.
• Push the pace early: The more Chimaev can overwhelm Du Plessis in the first two rounds, the better his chances of securing an early finish.

Fight Predictions: Who Has the Edge?

This fight could go one of two ways:

• Scenario 1: Chimaev wins by early finish (KO or submission in rounds 1-2) if he successfully overwhelms Du Plessis with relentless wrestling.
• Scenario 2: Du Plessis survives the early onslaught and wins by TKO in the later rounds (rounds 4-5) if he drags Chimaev into deep waters and takes advantage of his suspect cardio.

While Chimaev is the betting favorite, Du Plessis has shown incredible resilience and a knack for finding ways to win against top-level competition. If this fight happens at UFC 320 in Abu Dhabi, it could be an all-time classic.

Why UFC 320 in Abu Dhabi Is the Perfect Location

A Historic Venue for a Mega Fight

Abu Dhabi has become one of the UFC’s premier destinations, hosting some of the biggest fights in recent years, including Khabib Nurmagomedov’s final bout against Justin Gaethje and Islam Makhachev vs. Charles Oliveira.

With the Middle East’s growing passion for MMA and Chimaev’s massive fan following in the region, UFC 320 could be the perfect stage for this high-stakes middleweight title fight.

Final Thoughts

The potential showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying title fights of the year. Both fighters bring a mix of power, aggression, and relentless pressure, making this a can’t-miss event for MMA fans worldwide.

As we await official confirmation, one thing is clear: if Du Plessis vs. Chimaev happens at UFC 320, expect fireworks in Abu Dhabi!