Gilbert Burns Predicts Dricus Du Plessis to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 319 Title Bout
ABU DHABI – Gilbert Burns,a fighter who has shared the mat with both Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev,is leaning towards Du Plessis in their upcoming middleweight championship clash at UFC 319.The highly anticipated bout is scheduled for August 16th at the United Center in Chicago, with broadcast details on ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, and ESPN+.Burns,who gave Chimaev one of his most challenging fights to date in a thrilling encounter at UFC 273,also has prior training experience with Du Plessis. This dual perspective allows Burns to offer unique insights into the stylistic matchup.
“It’s a very tough fight,” Burns told MMA Junkie. “Dricus is a monster.I trained a lot with Dricus when he was at Hard Knocks,unbelievably strong for that division,very big too,crazy gas tank. he looks tired, you look at him, ‘Oh, he’s getting tired,’ but he’s not. Hits very hard, does both stances, grappling defense is get a lot better.I think right now he’s going to focus on that to not get submitted.”
Burns elaborated on his prediction, suggesting that Du Plessis’s endurance and resilience could be key factors. “And guess what? If Chimaev doesn’t finish him in the first, or give him one more round, the second round, I don’t think he can. I think it’s going to be a long night, and dricus can keep coming, keep coming. He gets stronger as the rounds are going. The guy doesn’t quit, he doesn’t break so, I got to go with Dricus on that one.”
Despite Chimaev’s recent adjustments to his strength and conditioning program under Sam Calavitta, Burns remains unconvinced that these changes will be enough to overcome Du Plessis. “He just got in the U.S. three,four weeks ago,I don’t think it’s going to be enough,” Burns stated. “Maybe even pushing too hard right now,it might be breaking him. When I saw that I saeid maybe, but when I saw the timing, I don’t think so. I think Dricus is winning that one.”
The middleweight division continues to be a focal point of excitement within the UFC, with championship defenses and emerging contenders constantly reshaping the landscape. Du Plessis’s reign as champion has been marked by a relentless pace and powerful striking, while Chimaev’s undefeated record and explosive performances have established him as a formidable force. The outcome of UFC 319 is expected to have important implications for the future of the middleweight title picture.
