Dricus du Plessis has preached respect for Khamzat Shimaev, but does not avoid questioning his opponent's ability. The middleweights (up to 83,9 kg) measure forces in the main fight of UFC 319, this Saturday (16), when the South African's belt will be up for grabs. With few fights lasting more than one round in the UFC, 'Lobo' was the champion's target.
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"We entered the UFC at the same time. I'm in my third title defense. He's fighting for his first title. Experience plays a role. Having been there for five rounds, don't tell me Chimaev won't say, 'Yeah, I kill everyone. I crush everyone.' Great. You know, in your head, you can't fight at the pace you want when it gets to the third round. Doing that in training is completely different. Now, you're in a fight," he said. Dricus du Plessis in the recording of 'UFC Unfiltered'.
"But we saw in the Whitaker fight that he's not going to do that. He came out fighting hard once again. So, in his mind, he has that doubt. I don't have that doubt... I know I can go in there and push the pace for five rounds if necessary," he added.
DDP admits special preparation to face Chimaev
In a sincere stance, the South African avoided provocations and assured that he had never trained so hard to face an opponent. The reason, according to Du Plessis, comes down to the fact that Chimaev is the toughest fighter he has faced in his entire career, thus far.
"I can say with 100% certainty that I've never worked as hard as I did for this fight. First, because I need to defend this belt, and second, because I need to prove something in this fight. And I know I'm facing the best fighter I've ever faced. Khamzat Shimaev”, declared Dricus in an interview with UFC.
Read More about: Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Shimaev, Robert whittaker, UFC 319
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