The octagon has seen its fair share of epic showdowns, but few matchups generate the kind of buzz that comes with a wrestling phenom meeting a well-rounded champion. Dricus Du Plessis’ rise to the top hasn’t been without its share of doubters and believers. The South African fighter has consistently proven that his unorthodox style and relentless pressure can break down even the most technical opponents. His championship reign has been built on adaptability and an almost scary ability to find a way to win when things get messy.<\/p>
Enter Khamzat Chimaev, the wrestling machine who has been steamrolling through opponents with a style that’s both brutal and beautiful. The Chechen-Swedish fighter has made a career out of taking people down and ending fights there. His wrestling credentials are undeniable. But Du Plessis isn’t just any fighter, and he’s making it crystal clear that this bout at UFC 319 won’t be decided by wrestling alone.<\/p>
Du Plessis recently opened up about facing Chimaev while on Fox 32<\/strong> Chicago<\/strong>. His words carry the weight of a fighter who’s been through wars and come out the other side. He feels that Chimaev is arguably the best fighter he has fought in his career. But he also reminded him that it was an MMA<\/a> fight and not a wrestling match.<\/p> “We are not fighting for the wrestling title, we are fighting for the UFC title and that’s where i am the best. I am not the best wrestler or striker, but when you put all those things together, that is where i am the best in the world…100% I believe this is the best opponent I’ve faced to date, but so was the previous one. Every time you step in there, you’re going to face the next most dangerous guy, especially as the champion.” <\/em><\/strong><\/p>