UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan has delivered a blunt assessment of Dricus du Plessis’ bold financial challenge to Khamzat Chimaev, suggesting the middleweight champion will be paying out far more than he bargained for.
During his recent appearance on Mike Perry’s Overdogs Podcast, Tsarukyan was asked about du Plessis’ public offer to pay Chimaev $10,000 for every takedown he lands in their upcoming bout. The Armenian-Russian contender, who trains alongside Chimaev, didn’t mince words in his response.
“DDP thinks Khamzat not going to take him down. He said he’ll give him 10,000 for every time he’s able to take him down,” Tsarukyan explained. “But if he’s really thinks like he’s going to pay 10,000, he’s not going to make any money from that fight. He’s got to give all his money to Khamzat.”
The confidence in Tsarukyan’s voice shows his knowledge of Chimaev’s grappling abilities, having served as a primary training partner for the Chechen-born contender.
When pressed about strategy for the matchup, Tsarukyan acknowledged that while taking down du Plessis might not be the most difficult part, controlling him on the ground presents a greater challenge. “Just take him down, it’s not difficult, but hold him is more difficult,” he noted.
Du Plessis’s challenge appears to stem from confidence in his takedown defense and ability to keep the fight standing, where his striking prowess has proven most effective. Du Plessis has built his reputation on his powerful striking and mental toughness, qualities that have carried him to the middleweight title.
However, Tsarukyan’s assessment suggests that du Plessis may be underestimating Chimaev’s wrestling credentials. The undefeated contender has dominated opponents with his grappling throughout his UFC career, showcasing the kind of elite-level wrestling that earned him recognition as one of the sport’s most promising prospects.
The two UFC stars will be competing at UFC 319. The event will take place on August 17 in Chicago.
