Khamzat Chimaev’s impending UFC 319 title shot has captured the attention of the MMA world, as the undefeated fighter approaches his first crack at the middleweight championship. Set to take on Dricus du Plessis in Chicago on August 16, Chimaev’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. However, this highly anticipated fight has stirred up concerns, especially among some seasoned fighters. One former UFC contender, Din Thomas, has voiced his skepticism about what a potential victory for Chimaev could mean for the middleweight division.
Chimaev’s ascent in the UFC has been rapid, with three wins within his first three months of joining the promotion. His early success led many to predict a fast track to a title fight, but his journey has been hampered by frequent health issues and weight problems. These setbacks have delayed his inevitable title shot, but the opportunity is finally at hand. Despite the long wait, many are still backing the Chechen fighter to win the middleweight belt.
However, Din Thomas, a former UFC lightweight contender, isn’t entirely sold on the idea of Chimaev becoming champion. Thomas appeared on The Bohnfire podcast, where he expressed his concerns about the future of the middleweight division should Chimaev come out on top. “I’mma keep it one hundred with you,” Thomas began. “If Khamzat wins, it’s a disaster, actually.”
Thomas raised a crucial point regarding Chimaev’s history of UFC pullouts. The fighter has had to withdraw from several bouts in the past due to health-related issues, leading Thomas to question whether the division could sustain a champion who might not consistently show up to defend his title. “You can’t tell me that a part of you is thinking, ‘This fight actually might not happen,’” Thomas continued. He pointed out that fighters like Chimaev, who have a history of canceling fights, could make the middleweight division stagnant. “Some of these guys are just habitual in terms of not making it to the dance.”
For Thomas, the crux of the issue lies in the movement of the division. The middleweight class, like any other, thrives on a champion who is willing to defend their title regularly, to keep the momentum of the division moving. “If you’re a champion and you’re not willing to fight regularly…it’s bad for the division, it’s bad for the sport,” Thomas emphasized.
While Thomas’ concerns are valid, they haven’t deterred the growing excitement surrounding Chimaev’s upcoming fight. The undefeated fighter is still widely regarded as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division, and many fans expect him to end Du Plessis’ undefeated streak in dominant fashion. Caio Borralho, a fellow UFC fighter, even went so far as to predict that Chimaev could take out Du Plessis as quickly as he did Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi last year, further building the hype around Chimaev’s potential.
Nevertheless, Du Plessis remains undeterred by the growing expectations placed on Chimaev. The South African champion has sent a clear message to his opponent ahead of their fight, vowing to provide the Chechen fighter with an experience unlike any other he has faced before inside the Octagon. Du Plessis took to social media months before the fight, promising to make Chimaev’s first UFC title shot a difficult one.
“I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit, or how strong,” Du Plessis wrote on Instagram. “When you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first-time experience and not a pleasant one. That’s a promise.” Du Plessis also added a message of defiance, noting, “As we say in built different!! #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed.”
With this fierce warning, Du Plessis has made it clear that he will not relinquish his title without a fight. His confidence in his abilities and his determination to remain the champion is evident in his social media posts, as he prepares to face one of the most highly anticipated contenders in recent UFC history.
For many, Chimaev’s fight against Du Plessis at UFC 319 is not just about the middleweight title—it is a test of Chimaev’s ability to overcome his past issues with health and weight, and to prove that he can be a reliable and consistent champion. Should he emerge victorious, Chimaev will undoubtedly solidify his place in the UFC’s elite, but Thomas’ concerns about the stability of the division may still linger in the background.
Ultimately, the future of the middleweight division hinges on the outcome of this fight. If Chimaev wins, it could mean the beginning of a new era in the UFC’s 185-pound class, but whether or not he can consistently defend his title and keep the division moving remains to be seen. For now, the MMA world will be watching closely as UFC 319 draws near, with both Chimaev and Du Plessis ready to prove who truly belongs at the top.
