While Khamzat Chimaev possesses many strengths as an MMA fighter, one crucial element present in Dricus du Plessis` skill set is reportedly absent from `Borz`.
The middleweight title will next be contested at UFC 319, scheduled for August 16th at the United Center in Chicago.
Headlining the card is the middleweight championship bout between Du Plessis and Chimaev. The South African champion is aiming to defend his belt and potentially hand `Borz` his first professional defeat.
Du Plessis has continued to defy expectations throughout his UFC tenure, and a highly-regarded middleweight competitor outside the UFC believes he can do so again at UFC 319.
PFL Star Johnny Eblen Assesses Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Matchup
In a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, PFL standout and former Bellator middleweight champion Johnny Eblen shared his thoughts on the upcoming UFC middleweight title fight.
Eblen, widely considered one of the premier middleweights outside the UFC, identified a key factor that could tip the scales in Du Plessis` favor: his experience.
“He’s not (the boogie man), though. He’s just a guy,” Eblen said of Chimaev. “He’s just a human. Gilbert (Burns) made him look human, (Kamaru) Usman made him look human, and I think DDP is going to make him look human.
“Plus DDP is like a big, physical guy. I don’t think Khamzat is just going to manhandle him. Plus, (Chimaev’s) cardio is a little questionable. I don’t think DDP’s cardio is as questionable. He gets tired, but he still has a lot of output.
“I like DDP’s chances just because the guys he’s fought and the rounds he’s put in,” Eblen added. “Chimaev hasn’t. Not to say it’s going to be easy, Chimaev is very, very tough, but I think DDP has more, he’s just more of a veteran when it comes to five-round fights, and tough fights, and he’s fought middleweight this whole time. Chimaev is just kind of coming up.”
Johnny Eblen Aims to Test Himself Against UFC`s Middleweight Elite
Although currently competing for a different promotion, Eblen expressed his desire to eventually prove himself as the world`s best middleweight by facing and defeating fighters like the UFC 319 main event participants.
Eblen`s PFL contract is set to expire in early 2026, which would open the door for him to potentially sign with the UFC and pursue their championship.
Despite speaking positively about the PFL, ‘Johnny Pressure’ emphasized that he believes he cannot definitively claim superiority over the entire middleweight division without competing against the top-tier talent.
Recognizing the need for elite competition, Eblen indicated a likely move to the Octagon once his PFL obligations are fulfilled, including his upcoming bout against Costello van Steenis in Cape Town this month.
Gareth Pendleton