UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is known for his brutal finishing ability inside the Octagon and his sharp tongue outside of it. And now, with his next title defense looming, he’s aimed at none other than Khamzat Chimaev, his undefeated rival and scheduled opponent for UFC 319.

In a comment that has quickly gone viral, du Plessis playfully (yet provocatively) remarked, “I guess I’ll have to fight Imavov!”A short statement—but one that sends a loud message in the war of words leading up to one of the most anticipated middleweight showdowns in recent UFC history. With the August 16 UFC 319 main event in Chicago set to feature Plessis vs. Chimaev, this quip from the South African champion throws fuel on the already intense rivalry. It also raises a serious question: what happens if Khamzat Chimaev doesn’t make it to fight night?

Let’s break down what led to this comment, why Nassourdine Imavov’s name is suddenly back in the conversation, and what it all means for the middleweight title picture.The Rise of Dricus du Plessis: A Relentless Path to Gold. Since entering the UFC in 2020, Dricus du Plessis has carved his way through the middleweight division with a blend of unrelenting pace, durability, and knockout power. The South African striker is now riding an 11-fight win streak—a feat that has earned him immense respect from fans and critics alike.

His resume boasts victories over elite names such as Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Sean Strickland, the latter of whom he defeated in a closely contested split decision to capture the UFC middleweight title. That win cemented his place at the top of one of the most competitive divisions in MMA.What sets du Plessis apart isn’t just his cardio or powerful hands—it’s his adaptability. He’s shown that he can out-brawl strikers, outlast grapplers, and push the pace in a five-round fight. In a division stacked with killers,du Plessis has become the man to beat.Khamzat Chimaev: Unbeaten Beast or Overhyped Contender?On the other side of the Octagon standsKhamzat Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen-Swedish phenom with a perfect14-0 record. Chimaev rocketed to stardom with dominant finishes early in his UFC career, including jaw-dropping performances at both welterweight and middleweight.Chimaev’s most recent wins include victories over former welterweight championKamaru Usmanand top middleweightRobert Whittaker, both of which showcased his suffocating wrestling and underrated striking. Still, critics argue that he’s never fought a five-round war—and question whether his gas tank can hold up under title-fight pressure.What can’t be denied is this:Chimaev has the UFC machine behind him, and he’s seen as a major pay-per-view draw. Which is precisely why the UFC matched him with du Plessis for what was expected to be a blockbuster summer showdown at UFC 319.But now… that matchup may be in doubt.“I Guess I’ll Have to Fight Imavov!”

When du Plessis mocked Chimaevby suggesting he might have to face Nassourdine Imavov instead, it wasn’t just an offhand joke. It was a strategic shot fired. Chimaev has recently faced rumors of injury and ongoing visa issues. These speculations—combined with du Plessis’ frustrations—have sparked concerns that Chimaev might once again pull out of a scheduled fight. And if that happens, Imavov may become the next man up. But du Plessis didn’t just name-drop Imavov. He did it with a wink and a smirk, implying that while Chimaev talks a big game, it might be someone else who actually steps into the cage. That’s not just banter—that’s a psychological jab.

Who is Nassourdine Imavov, and Why Is He in the Conversation? If you’re not familiar with Nassourdine Imavov, now’s the time to pay attention. The French-Russian middleweight has quietly built one of the most impressive resumes in the division, with wins over elite contenders and a recent shocking KO victory over former champion Israel Adesanya. Imavov’s technical striking, poise under pressure, and high fight IQ have made him one of the dark horses of the middleweight division. Currently ranked #1 behind Chimaev, Imavov has been openly campaigning for a title shot, especially in light of Chimaev’s uncertain status. In a now-viral social media post, Imavov accused du Plessis of “closing the door” on deserving contenders in favor of a “big-money fight” with Chimaev.

But du Plessis fired back with sarcasm, implying that if Chimaev backs out, he’ll happily school Imavov too. This war of words is building steam—and so is the anticipation. Middleweight Division in Chaos: Who Will Fight for the Title? The UFC middleweight division is in a state of flux. While du Plessis remains champion, the contenders are circling—and the possibilities are endless. If Chimaev shows up at UFC 319 as scheduled, we’re in for a clash of styles: the relentless wrestler versus the cardio king and knockout artist. But if Chimaev withdraws again, Imavov will likely get the call. And that’s not just a backup plan—it’s a worthy challenge in its own right. Make no mistake: du Plessis vs. Imavov would be a high-level chess match, featuring crisp striking, footwork, and championship conditioning. While it may not draw the same numbers as a Chimaev main event, it would arguably be a more technical—and potentially more exciting—fight. But for now, the UFC seems intent on pushing the Chimaev narrative. After all, he’s undefeated, polarizing, and globally marketable. That combination is catnip for pay-per-view promoters. Chimaev’s Uncertainty: Why the Criticism is MountingKhamzat Chimaev may be undefeated, but his career has been dogged by issues. From missed weights to mysterious illnesses and now visa delays, Chimaev’s ability to consistently show up has been questioned. Du Plessis—never one to mince words—has had enough.“This is the UFC. You fight the best. You show up. No excuses,” he said in a recent interview. “If Chimaev’s not ready, I’ll fight whoever. That’s the difference between us—I don’t duck anyone.”

These comments resonate with fans who have grown tired ofhype not translating into Octagon action. For many, du Plessis represents the old-school fighter mentality—train hard, fight harder, no excuses. Fan Reactions: “Give Us a Real Fight ”Fans are watching this drama unfold with both excitement and skepticism .Some are pumped to seedu Plessis vs. Chimaev—a clash between two of the most dominant forces in modern MMA. Others worry that Chimaev’s history of complications could once again derail a marquee matchup. Meanwhile, Imavov’s fans are calling for justice, believing he’s earned the next title shot based on performance—not popularity. The UFC has a choice to make:follow the money or follow the meritocracy.

With UFC 319 only weeks away, the clock is ticking. Chimaev has yet to pull out officially, but doubts remain. The UFC likely has Imavov on standby, which means du Plessis could find himself preparing fortwo opponents simultaneously—a tall task even for a champion. But if du Plessis has proven anything in the last few years, it’s that he’s ready for any challenge. Whether it’s Chimaev, Imavov, or another top contender, the South African star remains unfazed. “I guess I’ll have to fight Imavov,” he said with a smirk—but behind that sarcasm lies the truth. Dricus du Plessis is ready for anyone. Anytime. Anywhere.

Dricus du Plessis Isn’t Playing GamesIn a sport where talk is cheap and action is rare,Dricus du Plessis is doing both—and doing it well. His jab at Chimaev, subtle though it may be, underscores his growing confidence as champion and his disdain for fighters who don’t show up when it counts. Whether it’s Khamzat Chimaev or Nassourdine Imavov that steps into the Octagon with him at UFC 319, fans can be sure of one thing: Du Plessis will be there—gloves on, chin down, and fists flying.