On August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Dricus du Plessis defended his UFC middleweight title against undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. The five-round battle went the distance, with Chimaev using relentless wrestling and top control to dominate much of the fight.
Du Plessis showed heart and determination, landing 45 total strikes and defending several takedowns, but Chimaev maintained control and earned a unanimous decision victory, 50‑44. With the win, Chimaev improved his record to 15‑0, while du Plessis’ record moved to 23‑3.
Post-Fight Support
Following the bout, South Africa’s sports minister sent a message of encouragement to du Plessis on X:
“Dricus du Plessis you made us proud as one of the great champions and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today but you will come back stronger. It was hard to watch but you never gave up, almost had him and you’ll always be a legend. Chin up, #noDNAjustRSA”
Dricus du Plessis you made us proud as one of the great champions and we know you will be back. You faced a tough wrestler today but you will come back stronger. It was hard to watch but you never gave up, almost had him & you’ll always be a legend. Chin up, #noDNAjustRSA 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/E8f1tYUeeh
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) August 17, 2025
Du Plessis Reflects
In an octagon interview with Joe Rogan, du Plessis praised Chimaev’s control and shared his own perspective on the fight:
“The man has incredible control on the top,” du Plessis said. “He was just like a blanket. It wasn’t a matter of strength, it wasn’t that physical, it was just almost as if he knew what your next move was going to be. He got it without using too much power and I had to decide am I going to be on my back or have him on my back? At the end, I went for it, had the back, I could almost taste that victory, but he beat me fair and square.
He deserves it and thanks to all the fans, because without you guys, we don’t have a job. Everyone in South Africa, I’m sorry anybody I let down. We’ll show the world that we’ll come back stronger than ever.”
Dricus du Plessis has been one of South Africa’s top MMA fighters. He won the UFC middleweight title in January 2024 against Sean Strickland at UFC 297 and successfully defended it twice before facing Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis is widely known for his striking, including powerful punches and kicks, and his ability to finish fights. His ground game is competent but not his standout strength.
