Khamzat Chimaev Conquers UFC Middleweight Championship
Since his debut in 2020, Khamzat Chimaev was hailed as a future UFC champion. Five years later, he has lived up to expectations by obtaining the middleweight title at UFC 319, held Saturday night at the United Center. Chimaev (15-0) demonstrated his dominance against Dricus Du Plessis (23-3), who, despite resisting, could not avoid the superiority of his opponent. The fight became one of the most uneven in UFC history, with all three judges awarding a score of 50-44 in favor of Chimaev. Chimaev set a UFC record by connecting 529 total strikes, surpassing the previous mark held by Max Holloway, who landed 447 strikes in 2021.Chimaev, originally from Chechnya, debuted in the UFC in July 2020, winning his first two fights in a span of ten days. Despite health and visa challenges, Chimaev has proven to be unstoppable, defeating former champions like Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. In Saturday’s fight, Chimaev achieved 12 takedowns, the third-highest number in a UFC title fight, and dominated the contest for over 21 minutes.I am happy, always. I never have a game plan, I just go in and work like I do in the gym. That guy is strong. I couldn’t finish. I respect that guy. He is the only champion who would say my name. This guy has a big heart.
Khamzat Chimaev
Victory opens up various options for Chimaev, who has expressed interest in competing in different weight categories. He has mentioned the possibility of returning to 170 pounds to face the winner of the fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, as well as the option of moving up to 205 pounds. Before this event, Chimaev had not set foot on American soil since September 2022 due to visa issues. However, he became a citizen of the United Arab Emirates in January, which facilitated his obtaining a visa in February. His current visa is valid for two years, which should resolve the travel problems that affected his career in recent years.The man has incredible control up top. It wasn’t a matter of strength, it wasn’t physical, it was almost like he knew what your next move would be. I could almost taste that victory [with the choke], but he beat me fair and square. He was the better man tonight. I’ll be back for my belt, but for now, it’s his. He deserves it.
Dricus Du Plessis
Lerone Murphy Seeks Featherweight Title with Spectacular KO
In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy could have earned a featherweight title shot with an impressive knockout over Aaron Pico, who was making his UFC debut. Pico, with high expectations in his debut, had his moments, but the fight ended abruptly when Murphy connected a spinning elbow that knocked him out in the third round. This is the most significant victory in Murphy’s career, who now accumulates a record of 8-0-1 in the UFC.The defending champion, Alexander Volkanovski, responded immediately on social media, accepting the challenge and announcing the fight for December.This sport is about moments, and I just created one. I accepted this fight with three weeks’ notice. I knew the opportunity was there. I am next in line. Come on, Volkanovski.
Lerone Murphy
