Dricus du Plessis reveals 'unusual feeling' when facing Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC.

Dricus du Plessis after his defeat to Khamzat Chimaev . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @dricusduplessis

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Dricus du Plessis had a rather unusual feeling when facing Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. At the time, the South African was defending his title against the 'Chechen Wolf', but ended up being dominated in the grappling throughout the five rounds and lost by unanimous decision. The fight, according to the champion himself, was marked by an unexpected feeling: boredom.

In an interview with the Fight Forecast program, Du Plessis explained that Chimaev did exactly what was necessary to emerge victorious, adopting a safe strategy, avoiding risks, and neutralizing his main weapons until he secured the belt.

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“I got bored during the fight. He (Chimaev) did what he needed to do to win the belt. He made sure to stay out of danger. He neutralized me,” said Dricus Du Plessis.

Dricus du Plessis' coach admits he wasn't prepared for Khamzat Chimaev.

Chimaev taking down Du Plessis at UFC 319 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

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Morne Visser believes that Khamzat Chimaev was not willing to fight at UFC 319. In an interview with 'Fight Forecast', the coach stated that his team was not prepared to face an opponent who avoided any aggression and opted exclusively to keep the fight stalled. According to him, the Chechen never really sought to engage in combat, which, in his view, should have led the referee to stop the fight on several occasions.

“We weren’t prepared for a guy who doesn’t want to fight… When he kept Dricus on the ground, he never really wanted to fight… Marc Goddard should have stood up several times,” said Morne Visser.

Khamzat Chimaev wants to face Poatan at UFC Casa Branca

Ales Poatan (left) was challenged by Khamzat Shimaev (dir.). Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Although Dricus Du Plessis ' coach is eager for a rematch, Khamzat Chimaev , it seems, has other plans in the UFC. 'The Wolf' wants to face Alex Poatan and even has a specific venue in mind. After defeating the South African and winning the title, the Chechen made it clear he's interested in pursuing his second UFC belt, this time in the light heavyweight division (up to 93 kg), aiming for a fight against the Brazilian and suggesting UFC Casa Branca as the ideal setting for the bout.

In a post on 'X', Khamzat Chimaev reinforced the provocation by directly mentioning the possible duel and demonstrated extreme confidence by promising a quick victory should the confrontation materialize.

"Let's go to the White House. Don't worry, I'll finish you off real quick!", Chimaev wrote, tagging Alex Poatan.

Let's go White House 🦾

Don't worry, I will finish you fast @AlexPereiraUFC ⚰️

— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) January 12, 2026

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