Former Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis Analyzes UFC 319 Defeat Twice Weekly to Reclaim Title

Dricus Du Plessis details his rigorous film study of the Chimaev fight. Learn how the former UFC champ uses technical analysis to fix minor tactical errors.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 4, 2026, 10:11 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from UFC

A Methodical Approach to Martial Arts Redemption

The pursuit of excellence in mixed martial arts often requires a confrontation with one's most public failures, a reality Dricus Du Plessis has embraced since losing his middleweight crown. During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former champion detailed a rigorous self-assessment protocol that involves watching his UFC 319 defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at least twice every seven days. This disciplined review process is not a matter of dwelling on the past, but rather a fundamental component of his current training camp as he seeks to eliminate the vulnerabilities exposed during that championship bout. According to Du Plessis, this frequent immersion in the footage ensures that the specific technical lapses that led to his surrender of the title are never repeated in future Octagon appearances.

The Initial Recovery Period Before Technical Analysis

While many elite athletes struggle to stomach the sight of their own defeat, Du Plessis noted that his avoidance of the footage was only temporary. He explained to Helwani that he allowed himself a three-week window of separation following the event before he felt mentally prepared to engage with the video objectively. Once that period of emotional recovery concluded, the film became a permanent fixture in his professional routine. According to Du Plessis, the necessity of watching his own fights is non-negotiable, as it provides the only definitive record of his errors and the specific moments where his execution faltered under the pressure of a high-stakes title defense.

Technical Scrutiny Through Focused Film Study

The South African fighter does not merely watch the fight for casual observation, instead employing a dual-layered approach to his film study. On some occasions, he reviews the footage while performing cardiovascular exercise to keep the imagery fresh in his mind, but his most impactful work occurs during sedentary, analytical sessions. According to Du Plessis, these technical deep dives involve a pen and paper, where he meticulously documents every movement and exchange. By writing down exactly what he observes, he translates visual data into actionable coaching points, ensuring that the theoretical lessons of the Chimaev fight are integrated into his physical training sessions.