The buildup to UFC 319 has taken a dramatic turn as Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated welterweight-turned-middleweight contender, faces shocking allegations from a former teammate. In an explosive interview, a fighter who once trained alongside Chimaev claimed that the Chechen-born star has been secretly afraid of Dricus Du Plessis since 2023.

With the middleweight title clash between Chimaev and Du Plessis looming, this revelation adds an unexpected layer to what was already a high-stakes fight. But is there any truth to the claim? Or is it just psychological warfare from someone with an agenda?

Let’s dive into the story behind the headlines.

The Allegation: “He Fears Du Plessis”

The claim was made by Magomed Yusupov, a Russian-born light heavyweight who trained at Sweden’s famed Allstars Training Center—Chimaev’s longtime gym. Speaking to a regional MMA podcast, Yusupov dropped the bomb:

“I’ve seen Khamzat talk about everyone with confidence. But when it comes to Dricus Du Plessis? His tone always changed. He watched Dricus fight Whittaker in silence. He respects him… but it’s more than that. He’s afraid of Dricus—has been since 2023.”

The statement instantly blew up on MMA Twitter and Reddit, sparking debates about Chimaev’s mindset and whether fear could derail his path to UFC gold.

Is Khamzat Chimaev Truly Afraid of Dricus Du Plessis?

To assess the truth behind the accusation, we need to understand the context and history between these two fighters.

In mid-2023, Dricus Du Plessis shocked the world by knocking out Robert Whittaker, a feat few predicted.

That same year, Chimaev was busy defeating Kamaru Usman at middleweight, continuing his rise across weight classes.

However, when asked about Du Plessis, Chimaev often dodged the topic or gave vague responses like “I smash everybody.”

It didn’t go unnoticed. Fans and analysts speculated that Khamzat might view Du Plessis as a stylistic nightmare—a durable, awkward striker with surprising endurance and wrestling skills.

Could there be some truth in what Yusupov said?

The Psychological Edge: Does Du Plessis Live in Chimaev’s Head?

Dricus Du Plessis isn’t your average UFC champion. He’s unorthodox, mentally tough, and thrives in chaos. His victory over Whittaker showed he could outgun and outsmart elite fighters. Against Sean Strickland, he displayed patience, resilience, and a gas tank built for five rounds.

Chimaev, on the other hand, is a first-round storm. He overwhelms opponents early—but has shown signs of slowing in longer bouts.

That contrast has fans and coaches wondering: Could Chimaev be uncomfortable with Du Plessis’s style?

According to Yusupov, yes.

“He’s never scared of brawlers. But Dricus? He’s unpredictable. He doesn’t break like others. Khamzat knows that.”

Chimaev’s Silence Speaks Volumes

So far, Khamzat Chimaev has remained silent about the accusations. No denial. No counterattack on social media. Nothing.

That’s unusual for a fighter known to bark back at the slightest criticism. Just ask Colby Covington, Belal Muhammad, or Kamaru Usman—all of whom were subject to Chimaev’s verbal onslaughts when they questioned him.

His silence here is either a strategic decision to stay focused or a sign that the allegation hit a nerve.

Even Chimaev’s coach, Andreas Michael, refused to address the claim, saying only:

“We are preparing for a war. That’s all that matters.”

Is Magomed Yusupov a Reliable Source?

Let’s talk credibility. Who is Magomed Yusupov?

A journeyman fighter with experience in European circuits.

Trained at Allstars from 2019–2023.

Sparred with Chimaev during his rise.

He left the gym last year, citing “professional differences.” Some fans believe he’s bitter and seeking attention. Others argue he has nothing to gain by fabricating such a specific allegation.

Insider accounts suggest Yusupov was close to Chimaev during their early days and would have seen how he reacted to rising contenders like Du Plessis.

The Bigger Picture: What Fear Means in MMA

Before we judge Chimaev harshly, let’s clarify what “fear” means at the elite level of mixed martial arts.

It doesn’t always mean panic or cowardice. Sometimes it’s:

Respect for a dangerous opponent.

Strategic avoidance of a risky fight.

Mental blocks rooted in previous sparring or game planning.

Even the greats—Georges St-Pierre, Jon Jones, and Anderson Silva—have admitted to fearing certain opponents. The difference is whether they let it affect performance.

If Chimaev has any fear, can he control it and channel it into aggression on fight night?

Du Plessis Responds: “I Know the Truth”

When asked about the story, Dricus Du Plessis didn’t deny it. He leaned into the moment with a cryptic reply:

“Some fears are louder in silence. Let’s see who’s afraid on June 29.”

That subtle psychological dig only added fuel to the fire. It suggests that Du Plessis believes Chimaev’s demeanor confirms what Yusupov said.

And fans are eating it up.

Fan Reactions Are Explosive

Social media is split, but passionate:

“This is just mind games. Khamzat will destroy Dricus,” wrote one fan.

“It makes sense. Dricus is the perfect puzzle to break Khamzat,” countered another.

“Chimaev’s silence is suspicious. He usually claps back hard.”

UFC fighters like Michael Bisping and Daniel Cormier also weighed in.

Bisping said:

“If Khamzat does have doubts, this could be Du Plessis’s best weapon.”

UFC 319 Just Became Personal

Regardless of whether the fear is real, UFC 319 now has an emotional edge. The narrative isn’t just about who is stronger or faster—it’s about who has the mental edge.

If Chimaev loses, the Yusupov story will be viewed as prophetic.

If he wins, he’ll have silenced not just Du Plessis, but all the whispers from his past.

This fight may go down not just as a war for the belt, but as a defining moment for Chimaev’s legacy.

Final Thoughts: What Is the Truth?

The truth may lie somewhere in the middle.

Chimaev likely respects Du Plessis deeply—perhaps more than he’s ever let on.

Yusupov’s comments may have some basis, colored by personal bias or experience.

But in the end, what happens on fight night will tell us everything.

Fear doesn’t define a fighter. But how he responds to it does.

On June 29 at UFC 319, we’ll see whether Khamzat Chimaev is truly fearless—or whether Dricus Du Plessis is the one man who lives rent-free in his head.