FridayOL

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has issued a stark warning to Khamzat Chimaev ahead of his highly anticipated title clash with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Whittaker, a seasoned veteran of the division, believes Chimaev’s grappling deficiencies will be his downfall if he can’t effectively neutralize Du Plessis’s relentless ground attack.

The main event of UFC 319, taking place on August 16th at the United Center in Chicago, sees Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) putting his middleweight title on the line against the undefeated Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC). The fight has generated immense buzz, with many touting Chimaev as a future pound-for-pound great.

However, Whittaker, who faced and lost to Du Plessis in a closely contested bout, isn’t convinced Chimaev has the tools to overcome the South African’s grappling prowess. “Dricus is a very tricky wrestler,” Whittaker told MMA Mania. “He’s not just a grinder, he’s very creative with his positions. He’s got a lot of different looks, and he’s constantly evolving. I think Khamzat’s going to have a tough time dealing with that.”

Whittaker’s assessment highlights a key vulnerability in Chimaev’s game. While Chimaev is undeniably a dangerous striker with devastating power, his grappling defense has been questioned by some, particularly against higher-level opponents. Du Plessis, with his strong wrestling base and submission skills, is perfectly positioned to exploit this weakness.

“If Khamzat can’t stop Dricus on the ground, he loses,” Whittaker stated bluntly. “Dricus is going to take him down, and he’s going to keep him there. He’s not going to let him back up. He’s going to wear him down and find a finish.”

The clash promises a compelling contrast in styles. Chimaev’s striking and relentless pressure will be pitted against Du Plessis’s wrestling and calculated ground game. Whittaker’s prediction adds another layer of intrigue, suggesting the fight will ultimately be decided on the canvas.

Du Plessis has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to control where the fight takes place, and he's proven comfortable grinding out victories against tough opponents. Chimaev, while possessing exceptional striking talent, needs to show significant improvements in his grappling defense to emerge victorious. The world will be watching to see if Chimaev can silence the doubters and prove his dominance in the middleweight division, or if Whittaker’s prediction will come to fruition.

Ultimately, Whittaker's insight offers a valuable perspective heading into this crucial championship bout. It underscores the importance of grappling in the modern MMA landscape and highlights the challenge Chimaev faces in overcoming a skilled and determined opponent like Dricus Du Plessis.