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Dricus Du Plessis Vows 'Unimaginable' Return After UFC 319 Defeat

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 6:57 PM ET

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis says his pursuit of greatness is far from over despite losing his UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago. In his first statement since the fight, du Plessis embraced the loss but warned critics not to count him out.

“I embrace this loss with open arms, because believe me as much as I hate losing, it’s as much part of life as it is part of our game,” he wrote on Instagram. “This loss has exploded a desire in me that will have the consequence of an onslaught bigger than the original domination my return to glory and pursuit of greatness will be unimaginable for the average minded.”

Dricus du Plessis releases his first statement following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev

"I have absolutely no excuses for my performance, I was beaten by a better fighter on the night, congratulations to my opponent and thank you for the honour of sharing the octagon with you."… pic.twitter.com/QSq7bfWWiS

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 25, 2025

Du Plessis, South Africa’s first UFC champion, also made clear he isn’t interested in moral victories:

“Make no mistake, I’m not a good loser, because a good loser becomes a frequent one. I am however an avid learner of the arts and of life itself.”

The 30 year old had captured the middleweight belt in January 2024 against Sean Strickland, defended it against Israel Adesanya in August, and again against Strickland in February. But against Chimaev, he was controlled for five rounds on the ground and dropped a unanimous decision.

Du Plessis praised his opponent

“The man has incredible control on top. It wasn’t a matter of strength, it wasn’t physical, it was almost like he knew what your next move was… He was the better man tonight. I’ll be coming to get my belt back, but for now, it’s his. He deserves it.”

As he recovers with friends and family, du Plessis says the setback is fuel for his next chapter one he promises will shock those who doubt him.

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

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