UFC legend claims Khamzat Chimaev will have a tough time taking down Dricus du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev fight for the belt at UFC 319. (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)

The clash between the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), Dricus du Plessis, and the undefeated challenger, Khamzat Shimaev, set to headline UFC 319, has been one of the most anticipated bouts of the year for MMA fans. Despite displaying an unconventional style, 'DDP' has won all nine of his fights for the organization, including names like Israel adesanya e Sean Strickland. However, the hype surrounding the 'Wolf', who doesn't know what it's like to lose in his career, makes him the opponent to beat.

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A fact that is already reflected in the bookmakers. Chimaev is considered the favorite against Du Plessis in the fight for the middleweight title. However, a UFC legend believes that the South African can surprise. The former fighter and now analyst Chael Sonnen claims that the Chechen fighter will have a tough time against the current champion.

“How is he going to beat him? I’m not totally confident that Chimaev can take him down at will. I’m not totally confident that he can keep him there. We’ll know in the first round. If Dricus gets taken down in the first round, things are going to get complicated very quickly. But if he can defend a takedown in the first five minutes, it’s only going to get easier after that,” Sonnen said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Even with a not-so-optimistic scenario for Chimaev, 'The American Gangster', which often goes against the majority of opinions in the MMA community, also believes that the Chechen is the favorite to leave with the title in hand at UFC 319.

“It’s an exciting fight, I would expect Chimaev to be the favorite, and he is,” Sonnen agreed.

The confrontation between Dricus du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev at UFC 319 is scheduled for August 16, at the United Center, in Chicago (USA).