Look at it this way. Khamzat Chimaev hasn’t fought since October 26 last year. In the co-main event of the Ilia Topuria-Max Holloway-headlined UFC 308, he faced Robert Whittaker. A first-round win earned him ‘Performance of the Night‘ honors. And two days from now, he returns for a title clash against Dricus du Plessis. The middleweights headline UFC 319 at Chicago’s United Center. Logic might suggest a drop in support. But Chimaev’s almost ten-month absence has barely shifted opinion. He remains the favorite to claim the middleweight belt.

And perhaps the Russian wrestling ace seems to know which way the wind blows. Not only is he confident of upending his South African rival, but as it appears, Khamzat Chimaev could be eyeing the top slot on a card later this year. On October 25, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena will host UFC 321. The main event features heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his belt against Frenchman Ciryl Gane. And if Chimaev’s plan plays out, Aspinall may find himself running a race to command the spotlight.

Khamzat Chimaev’s warning came during a chat with Daniel Cormier. In the latest episode of ‘DC Check-In,’ the two joked about their playful wrestling exchange in Abu Dhabi. Minutes later, Cormier mentioned his debate with Din Thomas, the former lightweight challenger turned UFC analyst. “We’re talking about what your becoming the world champion would mean for the middleweight division,” Cormier said before adding, “Part of the argument was the inactivity.”

So Cormier pressed Khamzat Chimaev on whether he planned to stay active, as he did early in his UFC career. The Russian challenger didn’t hesitate. If he avoids injury or setbacks, he’s aiming to defend his title at October’s UFC 321. “I say if there’s no injury, nothing’s going to happen there. We want to go back to Abu Dhabi and defend my belt,” Chimaev said. The quick turnaround left Cormier surprised.

Still, the former two-weight champion asked what Khamzat Chimaev expected from the fight. Despite skepticism, Dricus du Plessis has only improved. For all of Chimaev’s fearsome reputation, he’s the only fighter to call him out openly.

For the Russian challenger, that’s a sign of respect. He refuses to underestimate his opponent. “So I’m just working hard for that fight. So I’m going to go beat that guy,” he concluded. But before that, there lies another challenge.

But taking out Dricus Du Plessis is no ordinary task

One only needs to see Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis’ recent meeting to gauge the weight of his remarks. Clips of their respectful exchange have gone viral. Fans expecting a fiery confrontation were left disappointed. Still, it goes without saying, Khamzat Chimaev faces a tough challenge. Du Plessis, South Africa’s first MMA champion, won’t hand over his belt easily. Rumors had suggested Chimaev held a size advantage. But their hotel meeting seemed to dispel that, at least in the champion’s view.

“I stood in front of him. He is definitely not taller than me, maybe a little; maybe like half an inch. Yeah, you’ll see,” Du Plessis told Helen Yee in an interview. He isn’t bothered by his opponent’s frame or strength.

Months ago, in an Instagram post, Dricus du Plessis issued a chilling warning to anyone who thinks they can beat him. “I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit, or how strong; when you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first-time experience and not a pleasant one—that’s a promise.”

Fans will be watching closely. Will Khamzat Chimaev make it to UFC 321 as planned? Or will Dricus du Plessis finally solve ‘the Khamzat Chimaev problem’?

Does du Plessis’ awkward fighting style give him an edge over Chimaev?