Dricus Du Plessis / Getty Images

Dricus Du Plessis Drops Bold Prediction on Ilia Topuria’s Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Prince Horton | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 12:11 PM ET

UFC champ praises another fighter as ‘one of the best’ while prepping for title defense

UFC 319 is officially locked in, and it’s shaping up to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. On August 16, the spotlight will shine on the United Center in Chicago as Dricus Du Plessis puts his middleweight title on the line against Khamzat Chimaev. It’s a matchup that promises fireworks, and while preparations are already underway, Du Plessis recently made headlines for comments that had nothing to do with his upcoming opponent.

In a recent interview with Betway ZA—shared via a clip captured by Home of Fight—Du Plessis offered high praise for reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.

‘We met on our debuts… he was literally in my locker room… I think he’s one of those special characters who’s going to be a Hall of Famer one day,’ Du Plessis said. ‘I rate him very highly as an all-rounded fighter — obviously, his striking, knocking out three legends in a row. I’m very happy for him. In my opinion, he’s one of the best, if not the best, in the UFC right now.’

Dricus Du Plessis says Ilia Topuria will be Hall of Famer one day:

"We met on our debuts… he was literally in my locker room… I think he’s one of those special characters who’s going to be a Hall of Famer one day.

I rate him very highly as an all-rounded fighter —… pic.twitter.com/HUtxtHiFyg
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) July 30, 2025

Their connection runs deeper than fans may realize. Both fighters made their UFC debut at UFC Fight Island 5 back in 2020. Du Plessis stunned the crowd with a first-round KO over Markus Perez, while Topuria earned a hard-fought unanimous decision win against Youssef Zalal.

While there’s no rivalry between the two, the mutual respect is clear. One’s defending gold, the other’s already wearing it. And in Du Plessis’ eyes, Topuria’s legacy is only just beginning.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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