Khabib Nurmagomedov surprises by suggesting the best strategy for Chimaev to beat Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319

K. Nurmagomedov (left) advised K. Chimaev. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

In the main fight UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, Khamzat Shimaev has the difficult mission of ending the reign of Dricus Du Plessis in the UFC's middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). The South African is making his third title defense and is on a winning streak over four former champions, making him a dangerous opponent for 'The Wolf'. However, for his compatriot from the Caucasus, Khabib Nurmagomedov, there is a way for the Chechen to win the belt.

In an interview with Adam Zubayraev, Khabib Nurmagomedov pointed Dricus Du Plessis as a dangerous opponent due to his aggressive and tireless style inside the octagon. Even without great precision in his strikes, the South African compensates with volume and constant movement, maintaining the pressure on his opponents throughout the fight.

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"Dricus is an interesting opponent. He's very tough and goes for it. He's not very accurate, but he throws a lot of punches. He's always throwing punches and kicks. He throws a lot of punches and never stands still," said Khabib.

Khabib suggests striking with Chimaev, but warns of the risk of exhaustion in a prolonged fight

Khamzat Shimaev in victory in UFC 294. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @UFC

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In the former champion's analysis, the best strategy for Khamzat Shimaev It would be to rely on striking, especially in boxing, where you have a technical advantage over your opponent. However, forcing the pace in the early rounds without achieving a submission could be a mistake, as it would be physically demanding.

"Personally, I'd advise Khamzat to trade blows with him. If we put the two in a pure boxing exchange, Khamzat is better. You can try to force things in the first two rounds, but if you don't finish, you'll waste a lot of energy," the Russian continued.

One point of concern highlighted by Khabib is Khamzat's lack of experience in five-round fights. While the Chechen has yet to test his mettle in longer bouts, Du Plessis has, which could give the South African a significant advantage if the fight goes down to the final moments.

"Khamzat never made it to the championship rounds. On the other hand, that guy (Dricus), he has real experience," concluded the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg).

Hired by UFC since 2020, Khamzat Shimaev He enters his first title fight undefeated in his career, with 14 wins, 12 of which were by stoppage. Throughout his career, the Chechen fighter has never had to fight beyond the third round.

Yes, Dricus Du Plessis He has 23 wins and only two losses in his career. The champion has 20 wins by stoppage, and in his last three fights, he needed so-called "championship rounds" to emerge victorious.

Reinier de Ridder wants Khamzat Chimaev's spot at UFC 319

Reinier DeRidder in victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction x/UFC News

Ridder's Reinier, newly arrived at the UFC, already aiming for the middleweight belt. Scheduled for the UFC Abu Dhabi next Saturday (26), the former ONE FC double champion sees the fight between Dricus Du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev, at UFC 319, as an unexpected opportunity. In an interview with Submission Radio, he revealed that he was hoping Chimaev would withdraw so he could take the spot and fight for the title two weeks after his debut.

“I still hope Khamzat backs out at the last minute. The UFC 319 It's two weeks after my fight, so maybe we'll still get lucky," said the former ONE FC champion.

The hope that the 'Wolf' will withdraw from the fight comes from Chimaev's history of canceled fights in the UFC. The Chechen has had six fights canceled throughout his career, most of them due to his health.