UFC combatant Dricus Du Plessis, according to his training partner, is predicted to terminate Khamzat Chimaev using a clandestine tactic.
In the world of mixed martial arts, anticipation is building as Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev prepare to face off at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. The undefeated duo, each with a formidable record, promises a clash of contrasting styles that has fans on the edge of their seats.
In the corner of the reigning UFC middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, stands his main training partner, Mark Hulme. Hulme, who once played alongside Manchester United's Rashford and McTominay, now runs a cake business but remains deeply rooted in the sport. His journey in MMA includes a stint on season 32 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Hulme, who trains with du Plessis at the CIT Performance Institute in Pretoria, South Africa, believes that du Plessis will finish the fight under three rounds against Chimaev. This sentiment is shared by many experts, who advise du Plessis to engage Chimaev's wrestling rather than run from it.
Du Plessis boasts a current UFC record of 9 wins and no losses, having successfully defended the title against both Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland in rematches. His unorthodox fighting style, demonstrated by notable stoppage wins over Adesanya and Robert Whittaker, suggests he has the capacity to handle tough opponents within three rounds.
Chimaev, on the other hand, is undefeated at 14-0 with powerful wrestling and grappling skills. However, du Plessis' well-rounded approach could be the key factor in overcoming Chimaev's formidable wrestling. Commentary from former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping and others emphasize that du Plessis should not try to flee from Chimaev’s takedowns but confront him directly.
Meanwhile, Hulme is also gearing up for a fight at OKTAGON 74 one week before du Plessis' bout. If Hulme emerges victorious, he will receive a guaranteed runner-up prize of €130,000 (£112,700). Should he go one step further, he will pocket €300,000 (£260,100). In his last fight, Hulme submitted Andreas Michailidis with a guillotine choke.
Hulme's journey in MMA is not without its twists and turns. He was the fourth pick of UFC women's flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko's on Dana White's reality TV show but was eliminated. Despite this setback, Hulme's determination led him to reach out to du Plessis around five years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history.
The fight between du Plessis and Chimaev promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with no clear definitive record prediction available. Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: both fighters are set to deliver an unforgettable showdown.
Despite the exciting action expected in the UFC 319 bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, Mark Hulme, du Plessis' training partner, will also be fighting in OKTAGON 74 a week prior. Hulme, who shares a victory over Rashford and McTominay from his Manchester United playing days, could earn a runner-up prize of €130,000 (£112,700) and €300,000 (£260,100) if he emerges victorious.
Meanwhile, the MLB season is underway, with boxing matches and Major League Baseball games providing an alternative for sports fans seeking variety. As fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming UFC fight, they can also tune in to watch baseball games or boxing matches if they prefer different sports.
The world of sports is vast, offering a diverse range of activities for enthusiasts to enjoy. Apart from mixed martial arts, there are various sports such as football (soccer), UFC, MLB, mma, boxing, and more, catering to different interests and preferences among fans.
