The UFC middleweight division is heating up with one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the year: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev. While both fighters have displayed dominance in the octagon, Du Plessis has made it clear that he sees a major weakness in his opponent—Chimaev’s cardio.

In a bold statement ahead of their clash, Du Plessis didn’t hold back:

“He won’t survive five rounds.”

With this fight shaping up to be a brutal war of endurance, skill, and willpower, the South African champion is banking on his superior conditioning to outlast Chimaev and prove his dominance. But is he right? Will Chimaev’s gas tank be the deciding factor in this matchup? Or will “Borz” once again prove his doubters wrong?

Let’s break it all down.

Du Plessis vs. Chimaev – A Clash of Titans
Dricus Du Plessis – The Relentless Warrior
Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has taken the UFC by storm with his high-pressure fighting style, relentless pace, and unbreakable will. The reigning UFC middleweight champion has earned his reputation by outlasting and overpowering his opponents, proving that his cardio is one of his biggest weapons.

Notable wins: Over Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till.

Fighting style: Du Plessis uses a high-pressure approach, combining relentless striking with strong grappling.

Biggest strengths: Cardio, toughness, and durability—he thrives in deep waters.

Khamzat Chimaev – The Undefeated Wrecking Machine
Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev, on the other hand, has been an unstoppable force since arriving in the UFC. Known for his ferocious wrestling, heavy hands, and aggressive pace, he has steamrolled almost everyone in his path. However, questions about his gas tank have lingered since his five-round war with Gilbert Burns.

Fighting style: Explosive wrestling, combined with powerful striking and relentless aggression.

Biggest strengths: Early-round dominance and suffocating grappling—but can he keep up the pace?

With Du Plessis openly questioning Chimaev’s cardio, the fight has become even more personal.

Breaking Down Du Plessis’ Criticism – Is Chimaev’s Cardio a Weakness?
1. Chimaev’s History – Dominant in Early Rounds, But What Happens After?
Khamzat Chimaev has built his reputation on overwhelming his opponents early, but when fights go beyond the first two rounds, cracks have started to show.

UFC Fight Night: Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns (2022) – Chimaev dominated early but slowed down significantly in Round 3.

UFC 294: Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman (2023) – Started strong but faded in the later rounds, leading to a closer decision than expected.

While his early-round destruction is terrifying, there’s no denying that when fights extend beyond Round 3, Chimaev is not the same unstoppable force.

2. Du Plessis’ High-Paced Style – A Nightmare for Fighters with Weak Cardio
If there’s one fighter built to expose gas tank issues, it’s Dricus Du Plessis.

He maintains an insane pace throughout five rounds.

He doesn’t slow down or take breaks, constantly pressuring opponents.

He thrives in deep waters, where his durability and endurance take over.

Against someone like Chimaev, Du Plessis’ strategy is simple: survive the early storm, then break Chimaev down round by round.

3. Chimaev’s Weight Issues – A Sign of Conditioning Problems?
Chimaev has struggled with making weight in the past, particularly at welterweight. His huge weight cut for UFC 279 left him missing weight by nearly 8 pounds, forcing a last-minute reshuffling of the fight card.

While he has moved up to middleweight, this raises questions about:

His endurance in longer fights.

How his body handles extended exchanges.

Whether his aggressive fighting style is sustainable for five rounds.

If Chimaev’s cardio isn’t up to championship level, he could be in serious trouble.

Chimaev’s Response – Will He Prove the Doubters Wrong?
While Du Plessis has been vocal about Chimaev’s cardio concerns, Chimaev himself has fired back, claiming he’s ready to fight for as many rounds as necessary.

“People talk too much. I will smash him. Five rounds? Ten rounds? It doesn’t matter. I will break him.”

Chimaev’s Plan – Can He End the Fight Early?
To avoid a war of attrition, Chimaev will likely:

Come out aggressively, looking for an early takedown.

Use ground-and-pound to inflict maximum damage before the fight drags on.

Potentially hunt for a submission while he still has fresh energy.

Chimaev’s best path to victory is finishing Du Plessis within the first two rounds—but if he fails, things could go downhill quickly.

What the Experts Say – A True Test of Championship Conditioning
MMA analysts and former fighters have weighed in on the fight, with many agreeing that cardio will be the deciding factor.

Daniel Cormier (Former UFC Champion & Analyst)
“If Chimaev can’t get him out of there early, Du Plessis is going to drag him into deep waters. That’s a dangerous fight for Borz.”

Chael Sonnen (Former UFC Fighter & Analyst)
“Du Plessis might not be the flashiest fighter, but one thing he has is heart and conditioning. If this fight goes to Round 4, Chimaev might be in trouble.”

Michael Bisping (Former UFC Middleweight Champion)
“I love Khamzat’s aggression, but against someone like Dricus, you need more than just power. Can he go five rounds at this pace? That’s the question.”

With top experts raising concerns, it’s clear that Du Plessis’ strategy could work if he can survive the early storm.

Final Prediction – Who Wins?
This fight boils down to a battle of styles and endurance.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Path to Victory
Dominate early with aggressive takedowns and ground control.
Look for a finish within the first two rounds (TKO or submission).
Avoid a drawn-out war where Du Plessis can take over.

Dricus Du Plessis’ Path to Victory
Survive the first two rounds and weather Chimaev’s pressure.
Push the pace in the later rounds to drain Chimaev’s energy.
Break Chimaev down in Rounds 4-5 and look for a finish.