There is demonstrably no better UFC fight this year than Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.
The next middleweight title fight is a battle for wills such as Champ du Plessis defend his belt for the third time against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago.
Chimaev and Du Plessis are on a combined 26-fighter profit reak. Chimaev has completed its UFC competition with its crazy wrestling skills and defeated former Champs Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker in back-to-back versions.
In the meantime, Dricus du Plessis is just as unorthodox as they come. The middleweight champion has a very awkward but effective fighting style that Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland and Whittaker has problems.
Du Plessis has shown an incredible heart during his run, overcoming opponents such as Derek Brunson and Darren while he was dealing with a respiratory handicap that limited his oxygen intake to 8% through his nose.
Till, a training partner of Chimaev's and one of the most difficult opponents of Du Plessis so far, seems to be the leading spirit when it comes to the UFC 319 headliner.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Darren Till predicts Khamzat Chimaev to finish Dricus du Plessis in two rounds on UFC 319
Given his history with both middle weights, former title -seconder Till was asked who would win between Du Plessis and Chimaev.
“With respect I will never look beyond Dricus because he is super dedicated,” Till said on the Ariel Helwani show.
“He is super strong. He has that uncomfortable style that makes no sense …
“I think Khamzat will beat him within two rounds. I really believe that,” until I added.
“I recently spoke to Khamzat on Facetime because I was the intention to go to Dubai to help with the camp – Khamzat knows that it is a tough fight. But Khamzat trains like a beast.”
Speaking of training as a beast, Till seems to be in much better form than he was years ago after his UFC release.
Darren Till claims that he had defeated Dricus du Plessis in the UFC today
Till made his last UFC performance in 2022 opposite Du Plessis, the #14-ranged competition at that time.
After almost finished in the first round, Till came to play in round 2 and gave a tired du plessis some problems in the striking department.
Du Plessis Rally to submit with a coded choke in round 3 but years later, loves the rejuvenated ex-PUC participant of his chances against the current champion.
“I have stayed so consistent in the gym for two years,” Till said.
“My boxing has become so incredibly good. Even my body type has changed.
'If I went back to the UFC now [at] Middleweight. I would have f – tear drus 'head off,' Till claimed.
“Tell Drus that I said f— him. I can't stand his guts because he's like that – [that] He's so good. “