Du Plessis faces a harsh reality check and now has to battle Khamzat Chimaev before looking to take on Alex Pereira

Dricus Du Plessis isn’t one to back down from a challenge. This was made crystal clear after his dominating win over Sean Strickland to defend his middleweight title at UFC 312. However, as soon as he secured his victory, his eyes were already set on his next target: Alex Pereira, the infamous light heavyweight who strikes terror into his opponents with his brutal knockout power.

But the problem is clear—Poatan isn’t just another name in the UFC. He’s a ferocious knockout artist capable of dismantling careers in the blink of an eye. Even with his victory over Strickland, Du Plessis is being warned that challenging Pereira might be a step too far. Caio Borralho, a rising star in the middleweight division, doesn’t think Du Plessis should be eyeing Pereira just yet. Borralho has some chilling words for the South African champion: “Poatan would kill him.”

Dricus Du Plessis Targets Pereira but Faces Warnings from Borralho

During the UFC 312 post-fight press conference, Du Plessis shared his thoughts about his challenge to Pereira. He’s confident, stating, “I’ve beaten Israel Adesanya, who has beaten him. I know I can beat him, and at 205 pounds, one hundred percent.” However, it’s clear that Borralho isn’t so convinced about Du Plessis’ chances against Poatan.

Borralho said bluntly, “Every time I doubt Dricus, he wins.” Yet, when discussing Du Plessis’ potential showdown with Pereira, he pulled no punches: “Dricus makes so many mistakes, and Pereira will kill you if you make just one.” The Brazilian middleweight’s warning is loud and clear—Pereira is a whole different beast.

Is Dricus Du Plessis Biting Off More Than He Can Chew?

The question looms: is Du Plessis biting off more than he can chew by challenging Alex Pereira? While many fans are excited about the possibility, there are several people who believe Du Plessis should shift his focus elsewhere—especially toward a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

After Du Plessis’ victory, Dana White confirmed that Chimaev is next in line for a title shot after his brutal demolition of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Chimaev’s impressive record and unstoppable drive to be the best have earned him a shot at the middleweight crown. But with Borralho’s ominous warning about Pereira, Du Plessis might have to take on Chimaev before thinking about facing Poatan.

Du Plessis vs. Chimaev: A Battle of Styles

Du Plessis’ unpredictable fighting style is a key factor in his success. His combination of unorthodox striking and gritty wrestling has earned him respect from all corners of the UFC. But will it be enough against Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen powerhouse known for his relentless grappling and explosive strikes?

Chael Sonnen, a UFC legend, offered an insightful analysis on Du Plessis’ fighting style. He explained, “I am as confused by Dricus Du Plessis as anyone in the history of this sport. One moment he’s brawling recklessly, and the next he’s outpacing some of the most technical strikers in the world.” Sonnen pointed out that Du Plessis’ kickboxing isn’t as refined as Israel Adesanya’s or Alex Pereira’s, yet it was enough to defeat Adesanya, who has already defeated Pereira.

Can Du Plessis overcome Chimaev’s grumbling?

Sonnen went further, suggesting that Du Plessis’ wrestling might be the secret weapon that could stifle Chimaev’s signature grappling game. Despite Du Plessis’ unusual striking approach, Sonnen believes his wrestling could be what helps him against Borz’s all-encompassing grappling style. “He wrestled with Sean Strickland in their first fight and looked really good. This guy can wrestle, and nobody is out-wrestling him,” said Sonnen.

With such a unique fighting style, Du Plessis may just have the tools to neutralize Chimaev‘s explosive power. But the question remains—can Du Plessis truly stand up to the challenge?

The Ultimate Showdown: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev

As Dana White and others in the UFC have stated, Chimaev is next in line for a shot at the middleweight title. If Du Plessis doesn’t focus on Chimaev first, he may risk losing his place in the queue for the title shot. But with warnings from Borralho and the ever-present danger of Pereira, Du Plessis may have no choice but to prove himself against the undefeated Chechen.

Fans and experts alike are divided on whether Du Plessis’ wild and unpredictable style is enough to topple Chimaev and earn a shot at the middleweight crown. One thing is certain: if Du Plessis can beat Chimaev, it’ll make for one of the most exciting and unpredictable matchups in UFC history.

Will Dricus Du Plessis conquer the Titan or fall short?

In the end, Dricus Du Plessis faces a monumental task. Whether he can overcome Chimaev’s grappling and preserve his undefeated record or fall short remains to be seen. But with every victory, Du Plessis continues to prove that he’s no stranger to overcoming challenges. Will he outsmart Chimaev in the cage, or will the Chechen rise to the occasion and add another win to his unblemished record?

The middleweight division’s future is uncertain, but one thing is for sure—Dricus Du Plessis has a fire burning inside him that refuses to die, and the world will be watching. Who will come out on top in this epic battle? It’s a question worth watching as we wait for this highly anticipated showdown to unfold.