Dricus du Plessis says cameras can be deceiving after footage of his first meeting with Khamzat Chimaev caused a stir.
Fight week is well underway for the UFC’s latest pay-per-view, as the promotion follows up two low-key Apex cards with a highly anticipated lineup at Chicago’s United Center.
Topping proceedings is the first divisional championship fight since Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 this past June. Dricus du Plessis will be making his third defense of the middleweight title, which he has already held through challenges from both Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya.
To keep his belt and remain undefeated in the UFC, Du Plessis must get past Khamzat Chimaev, an unbeaten phenom who has long been tipped to become a champion on MMA’s biggest stage.
And the Chechen’s supporters seemingly got a boost when the first fight week meeting between the pair appeared to show a significant size advantage for the challenger.
Dricus du Plessis rejects claims Khamzat Chimaev considerably out-sizes him
The UFC posted footage of Du Plessis and Chimaev’s respectful encounter online. Rather than focusing on the nature of the interaction, most pointed to how ‘Borz’ appeared to loom large over ‘Stillknocks’.
For some, the video has boosted their belief in Chimaev’s chances of ending the South African champ’s reign in the ‘Windy City’ on August 16. But Du Plessis has warned them not to take too much from the short clip.
“I mean, maybe it was the angle,” Du Plessis told Helen Yee regarding the footage.
“I haven’t seen the video, but I can promise you — you’ll see, you’ll see.
“I stood in front of him. He is definitely not taller than me,” Du Plessis continued. “Maybe a little; maybe like, half an inch. Yeah, you’ll see.
“And the other thing, I don’t give a s— how big he is. That’s not what wins fights. But yeah, I saw him, he is definitely not bigger than me.”
Dricus du Plessis’ confidence about beating Khamzat Chimaev is nothing new
It certainly did not take UFC 319 fight week to bring about Du Plessis’ self-belief when it comes to handing Chimaev his first defeat in the sport.
Months out from the Chicago PPV, following confirmation that his next challenge would come from the Chechen, Du Plessis made a promise to Chimaev. He vowed to force ‘Borz’ into an unwanted experience he has yet to have in mixed martial arts.
“I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit, or how strong,” Du Plessis wrote on Instagram.
“When you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first-time experience and not a pleasant one.
“That’s a promise. As we say in 🇿🇦 built different!! #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed.”
