UFC’s Middleweight division is heating up. Fans are seeing some trash talk between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis. Ahead of UFC 319, Chimaev started mocking Du Plessis on social media, and the middleweight champion also replied with some energy. However, this only builds up their upcoming fight. Meanwhile, during this heated trash talk, Former Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker broke down the title fight.
Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, weighed in on the highly anticipated matchup between Chimaev and Du Plessis. He highlighted that one of the toughest aspects of the fight will be dealing with Chimaev’s relentless takedown pressure. While speaking on the ‘MMArcade’ Podcast, the former champ said:
“There’s a way, but it’s tricky. Once Khamzat gets his hands on you, once you back up on that fence, he’s gonna stay there on you. I believe he will get Dricus down, he’ll control him for a round, but if he can’t put him away, what does he look like coming up in round 2, round 3? Dricus has got a gas tank.”
Robert Whittaker breaks down Du Plessis vs. Khamzat, saying it all comes down to Khamzat’s takedowns. 🤯👀
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 21, 2025
"How do you stop Chimaev's takedowns? I don't think Dricus will stop Chimaev's takedowns. Trust me, it kept me up at night. There's a way, but it's tricky. Once Khamzat… pic.twitter.com/kZNx3JkHSp
Whittaker believes Khamzat will likely take Dricus down and control him in the opening round, but if he fails to get the finish early, that’s when the real challenge starts. He pointed out that Dricus has a strong gas tank and becomes a real threat as the fight goes on. With both fighters bringing unique strengths, the matchup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting fights to watch.
Dricus Du Plessis Shuts Down Belal Muhammad’s Middleweight Hopes with Brutal Comment
Lately, Belal Muhammad has been stirring things up on social media, trading shots with names like Ilia Topuria, Kamaru Usman, and Sean Strickland. Now, Dricus Du Plessis has joined the list. After Belal called 185 the “easiest division” and hinted at moving up, Dricus fired back. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, the middleweight champ mocked Belal and said:
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“I like how [Belal Muhammad] acts as if he has a choice to ever go up to 185. The UFC will never let him… The UFC doesn’t even like Belal Muhammad.”
‘Remember the Name’ defended his title in impressive fashion, winning over many of his critics. Now, with UFC 319 approaching, fans are eagerly anticipating what could be one of the greatest middleweight title fights ever.
Also Read: Khamzat Chimaev Hints At Dethroning Dricus Du Plessis To Claim UFC Belt In Spartan Style
