The MMA world has been rocked by controversy ahead of the highly anticipated Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis clash. In a twist that feels more like a Hollywood betrayal script than a UFC fight camp, one of Khamzat Chimaev’s former coaches, Ozzy Dugulubgov, is now in Du Plessis’ corner—helping the South African middleweight prepare to dethrone the Wolf.

This coaching shake-up has stirred massive debate across gyms, fan forums, and among UFC insiders, as Ozzy Dugulubgov, a figure already surrounded by whispers of gym drama, steps directly into enemy territory.

Who Is Ozzy Dugulubgov?

Ozzy Dugulubgov is no stranger to MMA circles. A former professional fighter turned striking and MMA coach, Dugulubgov has trained out of top camps in Russia and the UAE, where he worked with many elite fighters—including Khamzat Chimaev himself.

Hailing from the North Caucasus region of Russia, the same area that produced UFC standouts like Islam Makhachev, Magomed Ankalaev, and Zabit Magomedsharipov, Dugulubgov is well-versed in Dagestani-style grappling, Sambo, and the hybrid striking/grappling system that defines many Russian UFC fighters.

But while his resume is impressive, his reputation is clouded with controversy.

A Pattern of Betrayal? UAE Gyms Reportedly Ban Dugulubgov

Sources close to several gyms in the United Arab Emirates claim that Ozzy Dugulubgov has been banned or quietly removed from multiple high-level facilities. The reason? A troubling trend.

He allegedly has a history of training fighters, learning their weaknesses and tendencies—and then later joining their opponents’ camps when convenient, using that prior knowledge to give their rivals an edge.

In MMA, where strategy is everything and camp confidentiality is sacred, this is the ultimate act of betrayal. Coaches often become family. To switch allegiances—especially before a fight as monumental as Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis—is viewed by many as crossing a line.

The Khamzat Chimaev Connection

Khamzat Chimaev, known for his ferocious intensity and undefeated streak, worked with Dugulubgov during his preparation for his fight against Kamaru Usman in 2023. That bout was a pivotal moment for Chimaev, as he faced a former welterweight kingpin in a short-notice middleweight battle.

Dugulubgov reportedly helped Chimaev with striking setups and ground transitions, adding polish to the Chechen-born fighter’s already dangerous all-around game.

While it’s unclear how deep or recent their working relationship remained, Dugulubgov had access to Chimaev’s tendencies, habits, and camp routines—which now raises major red flags ahead of the DDP clash.

Why Is Ozzy Dugulubgov Coaching Dricus Du Plessis Now?

The UFC middleweight champion, Dricus Du Plessis, is preparing for one of the most dangerous fights of his life. A clash with Khamzat Chimaev, arguably the most feared rising star in MMA, demands not only elite-level training, but also inside knowledge.

And that’s exactly what Ozzy Dugulubgov brings to the table.

According to sources inside Du Plessis’ camp, Dugulubgov has been working closely with DDP, specifically helping him understand:

• Chimaev’s transition patterns from striking to takedowns

• His breathing rhythms under pressure

• His most-used counters when backed against the cage

• Weaknesses in scrambles and postures

For Du Plessis, it’s a strategic masterstroke. For Chimaev? It’s personal.

Khamzat Chimaev Reportedly Furious Over the Coaching Switch

While Chimaev hasn’t made a public statement yet, those close to him say he is furious over the move. One insider described the coach switch as a “deep betrayal”, claiming:

“Khamzat trusted Ozzy. That’s not something you do lightly when you’re preparing for war. He feels stabbed in the back.”

It’s worth noting that Chimaev has had a loyal circle of coaches and training partners, including his work at Allstars Training Center in Sweden. He has rarely had issues with teammates or staff—until now.

Some fans are speculating that this twist will only fuel Chimaev’s intensity. If he wasn’t motivated before, he certainly is now.

Du Plessis Defiant Amid Accusations

As for Dricus Du Plessis, the South African champ seems unbothered by the noise.

In a recent media scrum, he was asked directly about working with Dugulubgov and whether it gave him an unfair advantage. Du Plessis replied:

“Look, this is war. You bring in whoever gives you the best chance to win. If someone has trained my opponent, and they want to help me beat him? That’s their choice. I didn’t steal anything. I’m just using what’s available.”

For Du Plessis, this is just business. But many in the MMA world are treating it as something much deeper—an ethical gray area that walks the line between strategic and dishonorable.

Fans React: “Snitch Culture” or Smart Move?

Social media has lit up in response to the news, with MMA fans divided into two camps.

Some are slamming Ozzy Dugulubgov as a “snitch coach,” accusing him of violating trust and loyalty. Others are praising Du Plessis for taking every opportunity to gain the upper hand.

Popular MMA analyst Luke Thomas weighed in, saying:

“In MMA, the lines are blurred. It’s not like traditional sports where coaching contracts lock you in. But this definitely feels grimy. If a coach knows a guy’s weaknesses because they trained him and then sells that knowledge? That’s not a great look.”

On the flip side, former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen supported the move, noting:

“You play to win. Nobody in the UFC is gonna feel sorry for you after a loss. You do what it takes.”

Will This Impact the Fight?

Absolutely.

Khamzat Chimaev is already known for his aggression and emotional intensity. If he walks into the Octagon with a chip on his shoulder over this coaching betrayal, fans can expect a furious pace from the opening bell.

Meanwhile, Du Plessis, known for his durability and awkward but effective striking style, now has tools to potentially neutralize Chimaev’s grappling setups and expose gaps in his game.

If this fight was already one of the most anticipated of 2025, the Ozzy Dugulubgov factor just poured gasoline on the fire.

Could the UFC Intervene?

The UFC generally avoids interfering in the camp-building process. Coaches and fighters are independent contractors, free to work with whomever they choose. That said, if Dugulubgov’s alleged pattern of gym-hopping betrayal becomes more widespread, certain camps might start blacklisting him entirely.

Gym loyalty is still a major currency in MMA. Fighters talk. Word travels fast. And if Dugulubgov continues to earn a reputation for training both sides of a fight, he may find himself locked out of the elite coaching circle altogether.

Final Thoughts: A Fight Fueled by Fury and Strategy

What was already a powder keg of a matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis has now become a narrative of revenge, betrayal, and calculated warfare.

For Chimaev, it’s no longer just about winning a title or a payday—it’s about defending his honor.

For Du Plessis, it’s about holding onto gold, using every tool, every edge, and every opportunity—even if it means working with a man who once stood in his opponent’s corner.

And for Ozzy Dugulubgov, this might be his most public—and most controversial—coaching decision yet.