Durinho reveals unpopular opinion when analyzing the duel between Du Plessis and Chimaev at UFC 319

K. Chimaev (left) defeated G. Durinho (right) in the UFC 273. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Scheduled to take place this Saturday (16), Chicago (USA), the main fight of the UFC 319 generates curiosity and desire in many MMA fans. Dricus Du Plessis defends the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) against the previously undefeated Khamzat Shimaev, in a duel in which the champion is considered a big underdog by bookmakers.

With authority in speech, Gilbert Durinho, who has already faced off against the title challenger, didn't hesitate to reveal his prediction and analysis for the fight. Contrary to popular opinion, the Brazilian believes the division champion has a good chance of surviving the initial pressure imposed by Chimaev in the octagon.

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“I believe he can take Dricus down, he can control him a bit. I don’t think Dricus will get knocked out. I don’t think he’ll get cut. I don’t think he’ll get finished. I believe Dricus will fight through it all, he’ll get back up. I think if he’s slowing down the way he did against Kamaru Usman"Against me and a few other fighters, the fight will go on. I think Dricus is a nightmare to fight. The guy is coming like a truck," Burns said of Chimaev on the Show Me The Money podcast.

Dricus Du Plessis faces Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 319 (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

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Following his analysis, the veteran suggested that Du Plessis return the energy and pace imposed by Chimaev in kind, so that he can take advantage of a likely advantage in the final rounds of the fight.

"The only way to stop the truck is to crash it. If you crash it, Dricus, he has to fight against adversity, but with the same energy. He has to fight back. That said, both will be exhausted in the second round. But I believe Dricus, with all his experience, many five-round fights, will be able to recover, give his all, and hit hard. Maybe a decision. But I believe it will be a late finish. Not that late. I think in the third or fourth round. That's my prediction," he concluded.

Dricus du Plessis is the UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC News

Protagonists of UFC 319, Du Plessis and Chimaev face each other in Chicago this Saturday (16), in a duel worth the linear belt of the middleweight division. Undefeated in the Ultimate, the South African is preparing for the third title defense, while his rival goes for the first chance to become champion of the category.