Chimaev taking down Du Plessis at UFC 319 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
Dricus du Plessis ' coach , Morne Visser, believes that Khamzat Chimaev wasn't willing to fight at UFC 319. On that occasion, 'The Wolf' controlled the South African in grappling and won by unanimous decision after five rounds of complete dominance without taking significant risks. However, the coach believes that outcome shouldn't be repeated in a potential rematch.
In an interview with 'Fight Forecast', Visser 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, Chimaev never really sought to engage in combat, which, in his view, should have led the referee to stop the fight on several occasions.
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“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.
The coach also expressed confidence that, in a rematch, Chimaev would have no chance in the stand-up fight against du Plessis, leaving him with only the strategy of controlling the fight on the ground, a point that, according to Visser, is already on the team's radar to be adjusted.
“This time (in a possible rematch), Khamzat is going to get screwed. He doesn't stand a chance against Dricus on his feet. His only chance is to keep us on the ground, so that's the only thing we need to fix,” the coach concluded.
Khamzat Chimaev wants to face Poatan at UFC Casa Branca
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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