UFC 319 is apparently just another ordinary night at the office for Khamzat Chimaev.
That is far from the case on paper, as Chimaev approaches his very first title shot in the UFC in one of this year’s most highly anticipated pay-per-view main events.
Having remained undefeated on his rise to stardom on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage, ‘Borz’ will look to continue his quest for history-making dominance at UFC 319, where Chimaev will challenge Dricus du Plessis.
Given the occasion, the Chechen fighter would be forgiven for feeling the pressure. But instead, Chimaev seems as cool, calm, and collected as they come — heated UFC 319 ceremonial weigh-ins face-off aside.
Khamzat Chimaev calls Dricus du Plessis challenge just a ‘normal fight’
Chimaev is no stranger to the spotlight, having co-headlined multiple pay-per-views and shared the cage with numerous former champions.
The 31-year-old’s ability to deliver triumphs in spite of high stakes was evident when Chimaev brutally submitted Robert Whittaker in 2024 and survived a late rally from Kamaru Usman the year before.
UFC 319 has taken things up a level in terms of attention, but ‘Borz’ remains unfazed. That was demonstrated during a game of ‘word association’ that the middleweight title challenger played with TNT Sports ahead of the August 16 event in Chicago.
When Du Plessis was mentioned, Chimaev gave a hilarious two-word response that indicates just how nonchalant he was for much of UFC 319 fight week.
“Normal fight,” Chimaev said.
Khamzat Chimaev is focused on money, not a UFC title
Chimaev’s response is perhaps unsurprising given where his motivation lies.
‘Borz’ turned heads in fight week when he revealed that holding UFC gold is not what motivates him to compete. Instead, Chimaev is focused on the money that comes from fighting success.
That was music to the ears of Du Plessis, who reacted during an interview for Daniel Cormier’s YouTube channel and warned his rival that he cannot emerge victorious at UFC 319 with such a mindset.
“You can’t fight me with that as your motivation,” Du Plessis said.
“You will be paying all that money to get out of there if you’re in there with me for five rounds.
“If the money is your motivation…(it) will drive away very quickly,” Du Plessis continued. “There is no amount of money that is gonna keep you in that fight when I’m in there willing to give my life to win.
“It has to be bigger than you. Money is not bigger than me; passion, legacy, and achievement, that is bigger than me.”