Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev: Date, Time and Where to Watch in South Africa
- UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis is set to face unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev on 16 August 2025 in Chicago, in what many are calling his toughest challenge yet
- Du Plessis named Israel Adesanya as his most formidable opponent to date, citing the Nigerian’s skill, unpredictability, and legacy as the benchmark in the division
- The South African remains undefeated in the UFC since 2020, having claimed and defended the middleweight title with notable victories over Strickland and Adesanya
The much-anticipated clash between UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis and unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev is set for 16 August at the United Centre in Chicago. Touted as a potential classic, many believe this will undoubtedly be Du Plessis’ biggest test yet.
Source: Getty Images
The South African, who is already in Chicago preparing for the crunch bout, reflected on his toughest opponent to date and singled out Israel Adesanya.
“My toughest opponent to date, well, that's a very open-ended question because there were fights that were the hardest for me,” Du Plessis said. "I have to say, probably Adesanya was the best guy I faced in his specific area, the fight I was most nervous for, just in terms of how good he is.
“He can catch you with anything, anytime. All the time, I spent looking up to him and studying him because he was the benchmark. Knowing what he's capable of, I think he's the best guy I've faced, and, if you watch that fight, it was one hell of a fight. It was a tough night at the office for both of us.”
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The fight will be broadcast live on Saturday, 16 August, at the United Centre in Chicago, with South African fans able to tune in at 4 a.m. (SA time) The following Sunday. Coverage will be available on SuperSport Action and Maximo 1, although the exact fight time will depend on the duration of the preliminary bouts.
Du Plessis’ unbeaten UFC record
“Stillknocks,” as Du Plessis is affectionately known, has remained undefeated in the UFC since his debut in 2020. He won the middleweight title earlier in 2024 by edging Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 297.
He followed that up with a fourth-round submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, and later defeated Strickland again, this time by unanimous decision at UFC 312 in February.
The South African champion has beaten all but two of his opponents throughout his MMA career.
“When you go on pure toughness, you have to go with either Brad Tavares or Sean Strickland,” Du Plessis added. “Just the amount of damage they were able to take and just keep going.”
Source: Getty Images
Why UFC Africa won't happen yet
Briefly News previously reported that UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis shed light on why hosting a UFC event in South Africa remains unlikely for now.
He explained that ticket prices, which can reach nearly R1 million, are beyond what most locals can afford, making the event financially unfeasible. Du Plessis also pointed out that while South Africa has large venues, very few meet the UFC’s indoor arena standards.
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Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
