Dricus du Plessis ready to take Khamzat Chimaev's 'boogeyman' moniker

The South African is set to face the dangerous Chimaev in what would be his fourth title defence at UFC 319 at the United Centre in Chicago on 17 August. Du Plessis has been on a tear since joining the promotion in 2020, winning nine fights to find himself at the top of the division.  

The Pretoria native is virtually never in a boring fight and has finished 20 out of his 25 opponents. But du Plessis is not underestimating the undefeated Chimaev. 

The Chechnya-born star is a powerful wrestler and has run through the likes of former champion Robert Whittaker and Kevin Holland in mere seconds. Somewhat incredibly, the Boogeyman has nine first-round finishes in his 14 fights.  

As such, du Plessis is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits him when the cage door shuts. 

"I think he's going to come in there more prepared than ever," the 31-year-old told the Ariel Helwani Show. 

"I know that feeling of fighting for your first title. I have no doubt [he's prepared]. 

"He's a special fighter, he's incredibly good. From the first time I saw him fight, I knew he was going to the special. One hundred per cent. There has never been a stage where I thought this guy was overrated. I think he's as good as people think. But I just think I'm a lot better than people think."

As per usual, du Plessis strides into UFC 319 supremely confident. And with good reason. He has been the underdog in nearly every one of his UFC fights, but he keeps getting his hand raised.

"I can't wait, this win for me is going to be history," continued du Plessis.

"I'm going out there and I'm going to shock the world once again. Like every other time, everybody said 'it's impossible, not this guy, not this guy...' 

"You're gonna see the Boogeyman break. You're gonna see him break in there. And you'll realise there's only one Boogeyman, and that's me. In the middleweight division, there can be only one Boogeyman. And that will be me."

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