UFC 319 Drama Explodes as Du Plessis Declares "Chimaev or Nothing"
So, UFC 319 is right around the corner, and trust me, the lead-up to this one is already delivering fireworks—and we haven’t even hit fight week yet. The middleweight title clash between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about bouts in recent UFC history. But there’s controversy brewing, and it's got the MMA world buzzing.
Dricus du Plessis, the reigning and seemingly unshakable middleweight champion, made waves this week when he flat-out refused to entertain the idea of facing the official backup fighter if Chimaev pulls out. That backup? None other than Nassourdine Imavov—the man who knocked out Israel Adesanya earlier this year and is itching for a title shot. But Du Plessis isn’t having it. In an interview with RMC Combat, he was crystal clear: it’s Chimaev or no one at UFC 319.
Now that didn’t sit well with Imavov. He hit back on X (formerly Twitter), calling out Du Plessis with a sharp dig: “Thanks for the compliments @dricusduplessis but you’re not Jon Jones.” And honestly, that comment cuts deep. Because, let’s face it—Jon Jones has the legacy and status to be selective. Du Plessis? He’s a great fighter, no doubt, but turning down a challenger on standby feels a little too soon to be making diva moves.
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From Du Plessis’ side, it seems the champ wants a clean, uninterrupted showdown with Chimaev—an undefeated beast who many believe is the future of the 185-pound division. And Dricus is all in on that challenge. On Instagram, he doubled down, posting a bold message: “I don’t care how good you think you are… when you step into that octagon with me, it will not be a pleasant experience.” He ended it with a fiery South African battle cry: Built different!
Chimaev, meanwhile, is not backing off either. His training footage has MMA fans foaming at the mouth—sparring with Olympic gold medalists, dominating on the mat, and showing that signature pressure that made him a problem from day one. After dismantling Robert Whittaker’s jaw at UFC 308, the Chechen phenom looks more dangerous than ever. The guy is on another level right now, and the hype around him becoming champ is massive.
Of course, there’s always that looming fear—what if Chimaev doesn't make it to the Octagon due to another health issue or injury? That’s exactly why Imavov is on standby. But Du Plessis is rolling the dice, betting it all on his preparation for “Borz” and refusing to adapt if plans change last minute. It’s risky—but that’s his call.
UFC 319 is set for August 16 in Chicago at the United Center, and as it stands, the only confirmed matchup is this high-stakes middleweight title bout. And make no mistake: it’s a must-watch. Du Plessis wants to shock the world. Chimaev wants to dominate and wear UFC gold. But the real question is—will we actually see them meet inside the cage?
One thing’s for sure: UFC 319 isn’t just a fight night, it’s a storyline packed with tension, pride, and legacy on the line.
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