Khabib Nurmagomedov has shared helpful tips. The UFC legend is guiding Khamzat Chimaev for his upcoming middleweight title fight.
The bout against Dricus Du Plessis is scheduled for UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. Nurmagomedov’s advice might decide Chimaev’s success.
Advice for the Title Fight
Nurmagomedov gave his view on the matchup.
“I don’t think he’s bigger than Khamzat,” Khabib said. “First of all, he may be taller, but in terms of weight, I doubt he’ll be that much bigger.”
He called it a key moment.
“Yeah, that’s a very good fight. It’s kind of like a climactic moment. Like everything you’ve been doing, preparing for, it’s all led to this — now you have to deliver.”
Nurmagomedov highlighted Du Plessis’ toughness.
“He’s the kind of fighter — if you don’t knock him out, he’ll fight until the end. He’s an interesting opponent.” He added, “He’s very tough, he’s going to scrap. He is kind of an unorthodox kickboxer. He throws hands and legs.”
He noted a flaw in Du Plessis’ style.
“What’s good — or rather, what’s bad — about Du Plessis is he’s not super accurate, but he throws a lot. He’s always throwing hands and legs, constantly. He throws a lot of volume, he doesn’t stand still.”
Nurmagomedov suggested a plan.
“I think — personally — I would advise Khamzat to strike with him. Well, imagine if I were coaching — I’d give different advice than to be overly aggressive from the start.” He said, “If you put them in straight boxing, Khamzat is better. Pure boxing-wise. That’s my opinion.”
He warned about energy.
“There’s just this one thing — you can try to force things early. Like in the first round or two, but if you don’t finish him, you’ll burn a lot of energy.”
Khamzat Chimaev, 31, remains undefeated at 14-0. His last fight was a submission win over Robert Whittaker on October 26, 2024, at UFC 308. This will be his first shot at the title.
Dricus Du Plessis, 31, holds the middleweight title with a 22-2 record. He last fought Sean Strickland on February 8, 2024, at UFC 312, winning by decision to defend his belt.
Nurmagomedov, 36, retired in 2020 with a 29-0 record. He was UFC lightweight champion and now trains fighters like Chimaev. His experience adds value to his advice.
