Dricus du Plessis Embraces Boos from Hostile UFC 319 Crowd Ahead of Chimaev Fight
- UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis was booed by a pro-Khamzat Chimaev crowd in Chicago
- Du Plessis reacted with confidence, saying hostile atmospheres fuel his performances
- The much-anticipated title clash with undefeated Khamzat Chimaev takes place on Saturday, 16 August, in Chicago
Reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis showed no signs of intimidation when a sea of boos rained down on him ahead of his title defence against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
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The South African, who faces the undefeated Russian on Saturday, 16 August at the United Centre in Chicago, walked into the pre-fight press conference on Thursday to a reception dominated by Chimaev’s fans. Rather than flinch, Du Plessis smiled.
“That was one of the best boos I’ve heard,” he told the crowd with a grin.
“You’ll run out of steam quickly. I’ve seen this before. Remember this on Saturday.”
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The 31-year-old Pretoria-born fighter has grown accustomed to being the outsider in enemy territory. Since winning the belt in January by edging Sean Strickland in a split decision, he’s defended it twice, against Israel Adesanya via submission and in a rematch against Strickland.
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“I’ve walked into every main event with people rooting for the other guy,” Du Plessis said.
“But guess what? I walked out on top every single time.”
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Though Chimaev entered the bout boasting a spotless 14-0 record, Du Plessis insisted the crowd’s energy, hostile or not, fuelled him.
“I’m the champion. He hasn’t fought a world champion before. Saturday, he’ll find out what that means.”
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Chimaev favoured in title clash
Oddsmakers have installed Chimaev as the favourite at -260, with Du Plessis close behind at around +200.
Many expect the Chechen-born Swede to impose his wrestling early, dominate on the mat, and secure a finish before the midway point. Backing Chimaev to win and the fight to end under 2.5 rounds offers a +105 return. Another option is Chimaev on the -5.5 point spread at -180.
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Du Plessis aims for third successful defence
Undefeated in the UFC since his debut in 2020, Du Plessis captured the middleweight crown earlier this year with a split-decision win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297.
He followed up with a fourth-round submission of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 and a unanimous-decision victory in a rematch with Strickland at UFC 312 in February. The South African now looks to cement his reign with a third consecutive defence.
Dricus Du Plessis gets criticised for kissing his cornermen
Briefly News previously reported that UFC Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has sparked online debate after once again kissing his cornermen during preparations for his upcoming fight.
The South African is set to face Russian star Khamzat Chimaev on 16 August in Chicago, in one of the most anticipated bouts of the year at UFC 319.
Du Plessis, who has been engaged to Vasti Spiller since January, has faced criticism before for similar gestures, including kissing his father at MMA events and celebrating victories with other men in front of cameras.
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Source: Briefly News
