Overview

• Both Du Plessis and Chimaev made the 185-pound limit at Friday’s weigh-in in Chicago, securing their slot in Saturday’s title clash.
• Unbeaten at 14-0, Chimaev has focused on improving his recovery and cardio during this camp, according to training partner Arman Tsarukyan.
• Du Plessis singled out Anthony Hernandez as a standout contender after his win over Roman Dolidze, hinting at a potential next defence pathway.
• UFC legend Georges St-Pierre advised Chimaev to refine his aggressive style following his UFC 273 showdown with Gilbert Burns.
• The contest pits Chimaev’s smothering wrestling and grappling against Du Plessis’s relentless pressure striking, sharpening tactical intrigue.