Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev shake hands ahead of UFC 319

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev shared a handshake during a pre-fight encounter at UFC 319 fight week.

The interaction, captured in a video shared by UFC Europe took place ahead of the title fight.

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The fight between Du Plessis and Chimaev is scheduled for August 16, 2025, at the United Centre in Chicago.

The video shows Chimaev approaching Du Plessis, dressed in a white t-shirt and black shorts.

The two fighters, surrounded by a small group of people, including a dog, exchanged greetings with a firm handshake.

Things appear to be off to a good start between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.

Both Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) and Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) have a history of pre-fight altercations with opponents, but their first encounter during UFC 319 fight week required no intervention from security.

During fight week obligations, Du Plessis and Chimaev crossed paths. Chimaev initiated the interaction; the two shook hands, exchanged a few words, and maintained a professional demeanor.

Du Plessis has been on a row since he tried to break Adesanya's neck in their clash.

Chimaev is finally getting his long-awaited title shot. as he is one of the division's top contenders and remains undefeated in his professional MMA career.

Since returning to middleweight in 2023, Chimaev has secured back-to-back victories against former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.