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The MMA world is still buzzing after Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319, but one thing is certain: a rematch won’t be happening anytime soon. While Chimaev’s stock continues to rise as one of the most dangerous contenders in the middleweight division, Du Plessis and his team are taking a measured approach to their next steps.
The loss exposed some key areas for improvement, and rather than rushing back into the fire, they’re opting for a strategic rebuild.
This decision speaks volumes about the mindset of Du Plessis’ camp. In a sport where fighters often chase immediate redemption—sometimes to their own detriment—head coach Morne Visser prioritizes long-term growth over short-term gratification. It’s a refreshing approach in an era where rematches are often demanded after every high-profile fight, and it suggests that “Stillknocks” is playing the long game in his quest for UFC gold.
A Candid Admission from Camp Du Plessis
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Visser made the team’s position crystal clear when asked about an immediate rematch with Chimaev. “I’ve been asked, ‘Do you want him to do a rematch?’ I said, ‘Absolutely not,'” Visser revealed. “Obviously, we would like to fight him again very soon, but there is no way I’ll take the rematch with us being a little bit behind in our Russian-style of wrestling.”
This frank assessment highlights both the respect Du Plessis’ team has for Chimaev’s skills and their own commitment to honest self-evaluation. The Chechen-born Swede’s suffocating grappling proved too much to handle at UFC 319, exposing a clear gap that the South African camp knows must be addressed before considering another showdown.
The Path Forward for “Stillknocks”
Du Plessis (20-3) now finds himself at a critical juncture in his UFC career. The 30-year-old had been riding a six-fight win streak before running into the Chimaev buzzsaw, with notable victories over Robert Whittaker and Darren Till establishing him as a legitimate contender.
Rather than dwelling on the loss, the team appears focused on evolution. “We know what we need to work on,” Visser’s comments suggest. “When we face Khamzat again, we’ll be ready—but that time isn’t now.”
This approach mirrors that of other elite fighters who’ve rebounded from setbacks by addressing weaknesses before seeking revenge. Current middleweight champion Israel Adesanya took a similar path after his first loss to Jan Blachowicz, returning stronger to reclaim his throne.
Chimaev’s Rising Stock
For Chimaev (15-0), the victory further cements his status as one of the most feared fighters in the promotion. The 29-year-old has now defeated three straight top-10 middleweights, making a strong case for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming Adesanya vs. Du Plessis rematch.
Interestingly, Chimaev has been vocal about wanting to stay active, telling reporters after UFC 319: “I’ll fight anyone, anytime. If Dricus wants to run it back, I’m ready tomorrow.” This aggressive mentality makes the Du Plessis camp’s decision to delay a rematch all the more strategic.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
Matchmakers will likely look to keep both men busy while their paths potentially converge down the line. Du Plessis could face a fellow contender like Jared Cannonier or Marvin Vettori in a bounce-back fight, while Chimaev may get the next title shot or a high-profile matchup against someone like Sean Strickland.
By acknowledging the gap in their wrestling and refusing to rush into a second fight, Du Plessis and Visser are showing the kind of discipline that could pay off in the long run. Whether this approach leads to a future title shot—or another crack at Chimaev under better circumstances—remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: when they do meet again, Du Plessis intends to be a far more dangerous version of himself.
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