One of the biggest fights of the year is set to take place this Saturday night in Chicago.
Khamzat Chimaev has supposedly been tearing through training partners ahead of his first UFC title fight on August 16.
While there has been a lot of hype surrounding the undefeated challenger for some time, this doesn’t seem to faze his next opponent.
Dricus du Plessis believes that Chimaev has some doubts surrounding his conditioning, which the champion will look to take advantage of at UFC 319.
One fighter who is in a good position to preview this particular matchup is former UFC star Darren Till given his history with both men.
Darren Till predicts that Khamzat Chimaev will finish Dricus du Plessis before the championship rounds
Darren Till’s final UFC opponent was Dricus du Plessis, with the two men meeting at UFC 282 in December of 2022.
Despite an incredibly one-sided opening round for the South African, Till was able to bounce back in the second but just when it looked like he was turning the tide, he was submitted in the third round.
Towards the end of his run, ‘The Gorilla’ became close friends and training partners with Khamzat Chimaev and the two men still speak regularly according to the Brit.
During a recent impromptu appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Till gave his thoughts on the matchup as someone who is very familiar with both men that are involved in the main event.
He specifically highlighted how while some people overlook du Plessis, one of his greatest assets is his team and the way they strategize for each opponent.
While Till believes that this could play a part in Chicago, he is still backing Chimaev to get the job done, even suggesting that he could end the fight with his striking.
“That’s ultimately sometimes what makes the difference in these fights. Dricus has got a hell of a chance but you know me, I’m team Khamzat and I’ve trained with him.
“I don’t see past three rounds with Khamzat. I reckon he can knock him out on the feet as well, I really do. He’s got a solid left hand. I’ve been on the receiving end a few times… I’m third round Khamzat.”
Darren Till hoped to be a part of Khamzat Chimaev’s preparations for UFC 319
While it doesn’t seem like the stars aligned to make it happen, Darren Till was hoping to play a part in Khamzat Chimaev’s training camp for UFC 319.
Having been in a competitive bout with Dricus du Plessis before the submission, ‘The Gorilla’ would undoubtedly provide some valuable insight into what he learned when fighting ‘Stillknocks’.
Till told Bloody Elbow in an exclusive chat back in May that Chimaev had been in contact and that he hopes to reunite with ‘Borz’.
“He asked me to come over and help with the striking stuff, so I said I would. If the stars align for that I’d love to get over for that.”
