Michael Phelps is in it to win it -- and unfortunately South African competitor Chad le Clos felt the heat of his desire to dominate when he fell in the line of fire of Phelps' death stare before their big race at the Rio Olympic Games on Monday night.

The 31-year-old Olympian swimmer was captured grimacing at his rival, who was busy getting pumped for his race by dancing around and shadow boxing before he competed. Clearly Phelps was having NONE of it -- sitting and judging instead.

After the semifinal heat for the men’s 200m butterfly, Phelps discussed le Clos’ wild prep tactics saying: "Everyone has their own race strategy. If that's his, that's his.” That's basically Phelps throwing shade without throwing shade!

We can see why there'd be some animosity towards Le Clos, the swimmer famously beat out Phelps for gold from Phelps in the men’s 200m butterfly at the 2012 Olympics.

However, it seems like Phelps should have been aiming his rage at Hungarian swimmer Tamás Kenderesi. Last night's race ended in Kenderesi in first place, Phelps in second, and le Clos in third. The men’s 200m butterfly final will be held on Wednesday, August 10.