Dricus du Plessis is adamant that victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 will leave no doubt about his claim to the pound-for-pound throne. The South African middleweight champion also made a bold prediction about Australia’s Jack Della Maddalena, suggesting that 2025 could see both fighters make significant moves up the UFC rankings.

Speaking to Fox Sports Australia ahead of Sunday’s highly anticipated Chicago main event, du Plessis acknowledged the current hierarchy of the UFC’s pound-for-pound list, where Ilia Topuria holds the top spot, followed by Islam Makhachev and Merab Dvalishvili. Du Plessis currently sits at fourth, with Maddalena, fresh off winning the UFC welterweight title, jumping to eighth.

The South African superstar, however, believes the rankings could look very different by year’s end. Having already defended his belt twice in Australia against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, du Plessis is now preparing for what many are calling the biggest Octagon event of 2025.

Despite being the defending champion, bookmakers have him as a $2.90 outsider, while the undefeated Chimaev is the $1.40 favourite. Du Plessis knows that overcoming the UFC’s most feared contender would make it impossible to deny his claim as the sport’s top fighter — and could also trigger a major shake-up in the rankings.

Adding to the intrigue, it’s understood that Maddalena is close to finalising a title defence against former lightweight champion Makhachev at Madison Square Garden in November. Du Plessis not only believes the Australian can win, but sees a clear path to victory — provided certain conditions are met.

“I think, right now today, everything looks exactly how it should,” du Plessis said when asked about the pound-for-pound list. “I also have Ilia one, and Islam at two. Then Merab, who is looking incredible, is at three. I’m fourth, and 100 per cent happy with that. But I don’t celebrate fourth. I’ll celebrate when I’m number one … and after winning this fight it’ll be hard to deny.”

Turning his attention to Maddalena, du Plessis praised the Australian’s recent performances, particularly his wins over Gilbert Burns and Belal Muhammad. “Jack Della Maddalena — incredible fighter and I’m a massive fan,” he said. “Against Belal, I thought he was better by far. I’m no fan of Belal but JDM, yeah, you can just see he has that toughness in him. He’s a guy who goes and does what he needs to do. It’s incredible to see. Same as when you look at his fight against Gilbert Burns — who I think is great, love him — and the way Jack faced adversity, was down on points and came back — incredible.”

While acknowledging Makhachev’s dominance, du Plessis believes Maddalena’s striking could be the deciding factor. “It’s hard to go against Islam because he’s been at the top for so long,” he admitted. “And the longer that guy has to prepare at welterweight, the toughest it’s going to get for his opponents. But if Jack puts on a performance like he did against Belal, if he keeps the fight standing, then he definitely beats Islam. His boxing, it’s next level. Still, that fight is a tough one to call. Islam has been a champion for so long, and he has the experience, the mindset. But the way Jack fought against Belal, if he can be even better again he has such a good chance … and a win would obviously be amazing for him.”

Du Plessis has also been vocal about the psychological challenge awaiting Chimaev if he suffers his first professional defeat. “I think it’s going to be time to go and maybe do some introspection,” he said. “Saying ‘how are we approaching this?’ Because I don’t know where he’s at on a mental level. I know he has a lot of money, as he says. I haven’t checked his bank statements but he says he has a lot of money. You know he’s so certain he’s becoming world champion and I’m here to say ‘no’. There’s no way you’re becoming world champion while I’m the champion. (So the fallout), it’s going to be interesting to see.”

The middleweight king knows the sting of defeat all too well, having last lost to Roberto Soldic in 2018 before embarking on an 11-fight winning streak. “I’ve tasted my first loss,” du Plessis said. “I know what it feels like — it sucks. It really sucks. But that’s where your character comes in. So it’s going to be interesting to see how he gets up from this.”

As UFC 319 looms, the stakes are monumental. For du Plessis, victory over Chimaev could cement his legacy as the sport’s best. For Maddalena, a potential showdown with Makhachev offers the chance to leapfrog into the elite of the elite. And for fight fans, the months ahead could redefine the pound-for-pound conversation in ways few saw coming.