Overview

• Du Plessis’s coach Morne Visser dismisses Chimaev as “one dimensional,” insisting wrestling alone won’t dethrone his fighter.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov and Alexander Volkanovski urge Chimaev to box to conserve energy over five rounds instead of relying solely on takedowns.
• Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall highlights Chimaev’s elite grappling, warning that once he secures an opponent’s back there is little escape.
• Chimaev says President Trump helped him obtain his U.S. visa, enabling his first American fight since 2023 and clearing the way for this title shot.
• Du Plessis embraces Chicago’s sports scene by visiting the Bears’ Halas Hall facility and receiving a custom jersey from quarterbacks Tyson Bagent and Caleb Williams.