When Du Plessis was mentioned, Chimaev gave a hilarious two-word response that indicates just how nonchalant he was for much of UFC 319 fight week. “Normal fight,” Chimaev said. Chimaev’s response is perhaps unsurprising given where his motivation lies.

Unlike his two prior title defences, the build-up to Dricus du Plessis’ third title defence, against Khamzat Chimaev, has been strictly focused on the action inside the octagon.