"I walked into Godzilla": DDP reacts to Khamzat Chimaev encounter

Updated Aug. 15, 2025, 5:32 a.m. | By Jacaranda FM

Dricus du Plessis reacted to his run-in with opponent Khamzat Chimaev.

On Sunday, 17 August, UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against Russian MMA fighter Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.

Only days before the highly anticipated fight, a video surfaced of the pair crossing paths in a hotel lobby.

The interaction appeared calm and respectful, with the pair seemingly wishing each other good luck for the fight.

Fans reacted warmly to the respectful exchange, but many also pointed out how big Chimaev looked compared to Du Plessis.

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A post shared by Alan Do Nascimento (@alanfinfoujj)

In a recent clip shared on social media, the current world champion reflected on the encounter with his opponent.

Responding to an interviewer's question about what he took away from their meeting, Du Plessis said:

"Obviously, as you say, he is 8 feet tall. Basically, I walked into Godzilla. That's what I had to take away from that."

He quickly added that he was joking and then gave his honest answer.

"He was super respectful, and like I always say, if my opponent is respectful, I’ll be respectful."

Du Plessis said he was happy to see that his opponent was healthy.

He also addressed speculation over whether Chimaev would actually show up for the fight.

"It never bothered me, but I know it was a question for everyone."

"People want to see the two best fighters in the world go at it, and that’s why this fight is so big," Du Plessis added.

"I want to fight the best in the world, and now people are going to see it."

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Images: Facebook/ Screenshot