The buzz in the MMA world is electric as fans are eagerly awaiting the super-fight between middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev. After ‘Still Knocks’ put on a dominant performance against Sean Strickland for 25 full minutes at UFC 312 in Australia, ‘Borz’ has stepped up as the next contender for this highly anticipated showdown. It’s tough for us to pick a winner between these two incredibly talented fighters, but Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov has made his choice loud and clear.

‘Bullet’ has admitted that he’s been picking the challenger against the current champion, largely because of his unique and unorthodox fighting style. Yet, time and again, he finds himself astonished by how Du Plessis consistently racks up one victory after another. Whenever challenges come his way, ‘Still Knocks’ faces them head-on, pushing through adversity with brutal strength and determination. 

Despite Du Plessis’ consistent stellar performances, Shara Magomedov believes that it’s the luck that is on his side and soon Khamzat Chimaev will expose the current champion. He has also uncovered that ‘Borz’ has got some data that may prove useful during their potential fight.

According to an Instagram post by Home of Fighting, ‘Bullet’ revealed Sport 24, “I will be very happy if Du Plessis loses his belt. I don’t understand how he managed to get this belt. Chimaev has the data to defeat Dricus. I hope that nothing will stop him from coming out in the best shape and demonstrating his level. Maybe it’s stupid to say, but Du Plessis seems to be lucky.”

You know, the skepticism around Du Plessis before his fights isn’t really a new thing. Fans have often questioned his fighting style and the ways he pulls off his victories. But, time and again, he manages to turn the tide and surprise everyone. Now, as the chances of this fight happening are looking positive, it will not be surprising if Chimaev turns out to be a favorite. But, it can be said with confidence that Du Plessis will go to war.

It’s obvious that Shara Magomedov isn’t fond of the current champion, expressing a wish for him to lose without really shedding light on how Chimaev might pin him against the cage. In contrast, another seasoned fighter, a former champion who has trained with both men, offered a more thoughtful and detailed perspective on how this highly anticipated matchup could unfold. 

Reiner De Ridder sheds light on Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev super-fight

Reiner De Ridder, currently ranked #13 in the middleweight division had the unique opportunity to train alongside both Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. With his firsthand experience, Reiner is in a great position to share some valuable insights into what makes these athletes stand out from skill to skill. 

As the former ONE middleweight champion prepares for his highly anticipated fight against Bo Nickal at UFC Fight Night 256 in Des Moines, Iowa, De Ridder has shared some intriguing insights. He claims that, based on his experience training both fighters, Dricus Du Plessis will actually be the toughest challenge for Khamzat Chimaev when it comes to takedowns. This goes against the common perception, making for an exciting dynamic leading up to the fight.

Talking to MMA Fighting, De Ridder said: “Yeah, so, I’ve had some experience with both of the guys, I’ve trained with both of them, and I’d say, especially in a five-round fight, Khamzat’s most likely gonna come out guns blazing again, shoot right away. But Dricus is not that easy to take down. He moves very well, although it looks a bit funny sometimes. His footwork is not that bad, he gets out, he circles pretty well.

 “I don’t see Khamzat taking him down right away, and to be honest, I don’t see Khamzat choking him out in the first round. And then every round he doesn’t choke him out, it’s gonna get worse for him, because with that unorthodox style of Dricus and those heavy hands, I think it might be a long night for Khamzat.” He added.

That is certainly a detailed breakdown by De Ridder. This fight is already attracting a lot of attention, and it is sure to build up to the spectacle it deserves. So, when do you think Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev will take place?