Whatever happens on UFC 319, Dricus du Plessis sees one thing as certainty if he shares the cage with Khamzat Chimaev.
After successful defenses against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, the next step on the path of Du Plessis to huge at 185 pounds could mark its heaviest test so far.
Du Plessis will be challenged by Chimaev in the most important event on Saturday in Chicago, because the South African attempts to do what nobody has in MMA so far by beating 'Borz'.
Chimaev has become known for his outbursts from the gate and the first round dominance, with a victim of it Robert Whittaker in 2024. After dragging the former champion, Chimaev brutally submitted Whittaker with a face crank.
Du Plessis did not deny the chance of the fast -staring Chimaev who brought him down at UFC 319. However, he has rejected all the possibility that his challenger then completed a different potential goal …
Dricus Du Plessis insists that Khamzat Chimaev cannot 'break' mentally on UFC 319
More than just the survival of the opening rounds, Du Plessis has outlined his intention to be the hunter on Fight Night. But that does not mean that he is under illusions when it comes to Chimaev's skills.
The South African has acknowledged that he will probably be on the ground on UFC 319 at a certain moment. But when he is there, he plans to make a statement with his reaction and to show Chimaev that he cannot be broken.
“I have always had a (mental coach),” Du Plessis told UFC Unfiltered when discussing his mental force in fighting. “I had one, because I would say in the last eight years.
“We just arm the mental aspect. I have no problems. It is just strategic. How we are approaching (fighting), because every opponent is a little different.
“See how we can make this even more powerful,” Du Plessis continued. “That is where my mental training comes … winning the fight for the fight.
“Mentally, I can't be broken. It's impossible.”
Dricus Du Plessis sends Khamzat Chimaev a final warning for UFC 319
Chimaev is no stranger to be the villain during the combat weeks. That was certainly the case when Backstage-Kuffles and a huge weight miss in September 2022 led fans to criticizing Booen and hunters such as Georges St-Pierre who criticized Chimaev's behavior at UFC 279.
In anticipation of Saturday's event in Chicago, 'Borz', however, has been the favorite of fans. He received positive receptions on both the press conference and ceremonial weightings, in contrast to 'Stillnocks', who got a choir of angry.
After the heated final face-off from Du Plessis and Chimaev, the South African sent a warning to 'Borz' and a promise to the fans.
“He is an absolute beast of an opponent,” Du Plessis told Rogan on stage. 'But I can tell you this: I put that man asleep.
“Whether it is on the floor, or I get him away; I take your boy out, and you will all cheer.
“I just know, like every other time,” concluded Du Plessis.