"I was honestly thinking I was winning that fight up until I heard that 10-second clap, and I knew it's over. When I went out for that last round, I was 100% certain I was either going to sub this guy or knock him out. When I got that takedown got on top of him, started landing, it was just too little, too late."
"He was not tougher than I expected him to be. When I got that takedown got on top of him, started landing, I could feel he didn't want to be there anymore... I know I can make that man quit."
Dricus Du Plessis challenged Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight title at UFC 319 in August 2026. Chimaev dominated the fight, controlling Du Plessis on the ground for approximately 22 of 25 minutes to secure a unanimous decision victory. Despite the loss, Du Plessis maintains he was winning until hearing the final 10-second warning. He claims that when he briefly gained top position in the final round, he felt Chimaev no longer wanted to continue fighting. Du Plessis expressed confidence in his ability to defeat Chimaev in a potential rematch, stating he could either submit or knock out his opponent. Chimaev faced criticism for lack of striking activity during the bout.
Read at Sherdog
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