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- Khamzat Chimaev-Dricus Du Plessis UFC 319 press conference ignites crowd</p>
<p>Josh Peter, USA TODAYAugust 15, 2025 at 6:04 PM</p>
<p>Khamzat Chimaev looked delighted.</p>
<p>The source of his mirth was a boisterous crowd gathered in Chicago for the final press conference before he fights UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 on Saturday, Aug. 16.</p>
<p>Boos drowned out Du Plessis as he tried to answer the first question.</p>
<p>"Well, that was one of the best boos I've heard,'' Du Plessis said when the noise finally died down. "Well done, gents, well done.''</p>
<p>Almost as loud as the boos were the cheers for Chimaev, the Russian-born fighter with a bushy beard, scarred lip and mischievous grin. He has electrified fans with brutal victories en route to a 14-0 record and his first title show almost feels overdue as he prepares to face South Africa's Du Plessis (23-2).</p>
<p>"Are you asking me if this is the fight of the year?'' UFC's Dana White said in response to a question at the press conference, and he grinned. "Yes, this is a big fight.''</p>
<p>Maybe even bigger than initally realized gauged by the energy of the crowd that Chimaev fed with the grin and tough talk.</p>
<p>"Just going to go and (mess) him up, bro,'' he said of Du Plessis. "That's it, man.''</p>
<p>Chimaev also said, "I come to take over, man. Take his head.''</p>
<p>Take his head?</p>
<p>The crowd roared.</p>
<p>Of course the real show will take place in the octagon at the United Center when the 31-year-old fighters clash in a fight scheduled for five rounds.</p>
<p>"You have two of the best in the world right now in their prime for the title,'' White said. "This is one of the best fights we've had in a long time. I don't know how it plays out.''</p>
<p>The sound of the crowd will let everyone know.</p>
<p>This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 319 press conference electric</p>
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