Dricus du Plessis says there will be no denying him as UFC pound-for-pound king if he defeats Khamzat Chimaev in Sunday’s UFC 319 blockbuster – while also making a huge title call on Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia on the eve of his Chicago headliner, du Plessis hinted at a huge impending change in the UFC P4P rankings – which, from the top, currently reads Ilia Topuria, Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili.
Du Plessis is at fourth while Maddalena, after winning the UFC welterweight crown, has catapulted up to eighth.
UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev | SUN 17 AUG 12PM AEST | UFC Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis puts his title on the line against undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
But South Africa’s fighting superstar insists both men could be in for big jumps again before 2025 is out.
After already earning consecutive UFC title defences in Australia – against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland – du Plessis is now looking to score another upset in what has been branded the biggest Octagon showdown of 2025.
Despite defending, DDP is a $2.90 TAB outsider, with Chimaev wound as tight as $1.40.
As a result, du Plessis says a win over the UFC middleweight division’s bogeyman will make him impossible to ignore for pound-for-pound king – and kickstart what he admits could be a shock roster overall.
While nothing has yet been confirmed, it’s understood JDM is now almost certain to defend against Makhachev at Madison Square Garden this November.
Better, du Plessis is backing the 28-year-old Perth striker to earn a massive upset over the former lightweight king — but on one condition.
Asked his thoughts on the P4P rankings, du Plessis replied: “I think, right now today, everything looks exactly how it should.
“I also have Ilia one, and Islam at two.
“Then Merab, who is looking incredible, is at three.
“I’m fourth, and 100 per cent happy with that.
“But I don’t celebrate fourth.
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“I’ll celebrate when I’m number one … and after winning this fight it’ll be hard to deny.”
Elsewhere, du Plessis heaped praise on the rise of JDM – particularly his two most recent wins against Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad — and stressed there was absolutely a pathway to victory against Makhachev.
“Jack Della Maddalena — incredible fighter and I’m a massive fan,” the champ started.
“Against Belal, I thought he was better by far.
“I’m no fan of Belal but JDM, yeah, you can just see he has that toughness in him.
“He’s a guy who goes and does what he needs to do.
“It’s incredible to see.
“Same as when you look at his fight against Gilbert Burns — who I think is great, love him — and the way Jack faced adversity, was down on points and came back — incredible.”
So as for a blockbuster against Makhachev?
“It’s hard to go against Islam because he’s been at the top for so long,” DDP continued.
“And the longer that guy has to prepare at welterweight, the toughest it’s going to get for his opponents.
“But if Jack puts on a performance like he did against Belal, if he keeps the fight standing, then he definitely beats Islam.
“His boxing, it’s next level.
“Still, that fight is a tough one to call.
“Islam has been a champion for so long, and he has the experience, the mindset.
“But the way Jack fought against Belal, if he can be even better again he has such a good chance … and a win would obviously be amazing for him.”
Elsewhere this week, du Plessis has questioned how Chimaev will handle the fallout from Sunday’s headliner – which would be the first loss of his hyped career.
DDP issues warning: “I’m the hunter” | 05:32
“I think it’s going to be time to go and maybe do some introspection,” the champ warned.
“Saying ‘how are we approaching this?’
“Because I don’t know where he’s at on a mental level.
“I know he has a lot of money, as he says.
“I haven’t checked his bank statements but he says he has a lot of money.
“You know he’s so certain he’s becoming world champion and I’m here to say ‘no’.
“There’s no way you’re becoming world champion while I’m the champion.
“(So the fallout), it’s going to be interesting to see.”
Du Plessis admits his own past losses made him sharper and more disciplined – having gone on a tear of 11 straight since losing to Roberto Soldic way back in 2018.
“I’ve tasted my first loss,” he said.
“I know what it feels like — it sucks.
“It really sucks. But that’s where your character comes in.
“So it’s going to be interesting to see how he gets up from this.”
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