UFC analyst Din Thomas about has concerns about Khamzat Chimaev’s reliability as champion if he claims middleweight gold from Dricus Du Plessis in the UFC 319 main event.
After starting his UFC career by becoming the quickest fighter in modern history to three octagon wins, Chimaev’s pace had slowed significantly in recent years, with just five fight since September 2020. His talent has been undeniable, however, and he’s now just weeks away from challenging Du Plessis in the Aug. 16 headliner at United Center in Chicago (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).
The MMA world is collectively holding its breathe that Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) makes it to fight night without issue. If that happens and he delivers a winning performance against Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC), then Thomas thinks that’s where the issues could only begin.
“If Khamzat wins it’s a disaster,” Thomas told MMA Junkie. “You can’t tell me a part of you isn’t just thinking, ‘This fight might not actually happen.’ Some of these guys habitual struggle in just making it to the dance. I’m not going to be pessimistic about it and will say he’s going to show up. But if he does show up and he’s able to win, do we trust him to be able to show up and fight again? That’s the thing.
“Can he do it twice? Can he do it three times? Because we need movement. I hate when it’s static and there’s no movement in these divisions and in order to be movement in the divisions, the champions have to fight.”
Only speculation can be placed on what Chimaev’s fighting schedule could look like if he claims UFC gold. However, Thomas ultimately thinks that won’t be a reality the promotion will face.
His analysis of the 185-pound title bout could evolve as UFC 319 gets closer, but as it currently stands, Thomas is predicting Du Plessis to retain the belt.
“I think Dricus wins,” Thomas said. “I think he beats him and wears him out earlier, actually, and even before the fifth round. It think he could get a stoppage somewhere in the third. Not just weathering the storm, but matching the pace, being a little more efficient in areas and we just start to see Khamzat slow down a little bit and Dricus take over.”
To hear more from Thomas, check out his complete appearance on “The Bohnfire” podcast with MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn above.
