UFC fans, buckle up! The highly anticipated showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is officially set as the main event for UFC 317, scheduled to take place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, during International Fight Week. With two of the most dominant middleweight fighters on the planet clashing for UFC gold, this fight has all the makings of an unforgettable night.

As the fight world eagerly counts down to June 28, 2025, let’s break down the backgrounds, fighting styles, strengths, and key dynamics that will shape this explosive battle for middleweight supremacy.

A Tale of Two Titans: Du Plessis and Chimaev’s Paths to UFC 317
Dricus Du Plessis: The South African Sensation
Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has been on a meteoric rise in the UFC. Hailing from South Africa, Du Plessis initially gained recognition as a champion in smaller promotions before making waves on the global MMA stage. With a powerful striking game, relentless pressure, and underrated grappling, he has become one of the most well-rounded fighters in the middleweight division.

Du Plessis captured the UFC middleweight title after a career-defining victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297. Many pundits believed this victory was a fluke, but Du Plessis silenced the doubters with an even bigger win when he defeated former champion Israel Adesanya in a thrilling title defense. His unique blend of explosiveness, power, and cardio has made him a nightmare for opponents.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Wrecking Machine
Khamzat Chimaev has been one of the most feared and talked-about fighters in recent UFC history. A wrestler with devastating knockout power, Chimaev burst onto the scene with a string of dominant performances, where he out-wrestled and overwhelmed his opponents with terrifying ease.

Originally competing in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions, Chimaev made headlines with his undefeated streak and jaw-dropping finishes. His victory over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, where he secured a first-round submission, solidified his status as the top contender for the middleweight belt.

Now, with his sights set on UFC gold, Chimaev is ready to put his perfect record on the line against Du Plessis.

The Clash of Fighting Styles: How These Two Fighters Match Up
Truly great fights often come down to contrasting styles, and this one is no exception. Let’s examine how Du Plessis and Chimaev compare in terms of their strengths and weaknesses.

Dricus Du Plessis’ Strengths:

Powerful Striking:
Du Plessis is known for his explosive striking. He has knocked out several top-tier opponents with his heavy hands and powerful kicks. His ability to land clean shots, even while moving backward, makes him a constant threat in striking exchanges.

Grit and Toughness:

One of Du Plessis’ biggest assets is his resilience. He has shown the ability to absorb damage and keep pushing forward, wearing down opponents with his relentless pace.

Well-Rounded Skill Set:

Unlike some strikers who struggle on the ground, Du Plessis has solid grappling credentials. He’s capable of defending takedowns and can initiate scrambles when needed.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Strengths:

Elite Wrestling:
Chimaev’s wrestling is among the best in the entire UFC. He has repeatedly out-grappled world-class opponents, taking them down at will and keeping them pinned on the mat. His suffocating top control and ground-and-pound are devastating weapons.

Finishing Ability:

Whether it’s through submissions or knockouts, Chimaev has an incredible finishing rate. He rarely lets his fights go the distance, preferring to end them early with decisive results.

Cardio and Aggression:

Chimaev fights with relentless intensity. He’s always looking to push the pace and overwhelm his opponents, forcing them to fight on his terms.

Key Factors That Will Determine the Outcome
So, what will it take for Du Plessis or Chimaev to emerge victorious at UFC 317? Let’s explore the key dynamics that could tip the scales in this blockbuster fight.

1. The Takedown Battle

One of the most important questions heading into this fight is whether Du Plessis can defend Chimaev’s takedowns. Chimaev has proven time and again that he can take down almost anyone he faces, but Du Plessis has shown impressive takedown defense in previous fights. If Du Plessis can keep the fight standing, he’ll have a significant advantage in the striking exchanges.

2. Striking Exchanges

If the fight stays on the feet, Du Plessis will likely look to capitalize on his striking power. However, Chimaev isn’t a slouch in the striking department either. He has shown knockout power in his hands and can surprise opponents with his speed and accuracy.

3. Cardio and Endurance

Both fighters have excellent cardio, but the pace of the fight could play a big role. If Chimaev expends too much energy in the early rounds trying to secure takedowns, he may leave himself vulnerable to Du Plessis’ striking in the later rounds. Conversely, if Du Plessis gets caught in grappling exchanges, he could tire out and be easier to control.