Chimaev Dominates: Snatching the Title from Du Plessis with Brutal UFC Performance

Khamzat Chimaev Conquers Middleweight Championship in a Dominant Display

Khamzat Chimaev, since his debut in 2020, was considered a future UFC star. Five years later, he has met expectations by obtaining the middleweight championship at UFC 319, held Saturday night at the United Center. Chimaev (15-0) dominated Dricus Du Plessis (23-3), who, although he resisted until the end, did not offer much opposition. 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 with 529 total strikes, surpassing the previous mark of 447 set by Max Holloway.

“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,” declared Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev

Chimaev, from Chechnya, debuted in the UFC in July 2020, winning his first two fights within a span of 10 days. Despite the medical and visa issues he faced, when he has been active, he has been unstoppable, defeating former champions like Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. In Saturday’s fight, Chimaev landed 12 of 17 takedown attempts and controlled the fight for over 21 minutes. In addition, he secured takedowns in the first minute of each round and put Du Plessis in control positions on several occasions. The 12 takedowns tied for the third-most in a title fight in UFC history.

Du Plessis, although he showed a smile between rounds, was affected by Chimaev’s pressure. In the last round, he attempted a guillotine, but Chimaev managed to escape and finish the fight in a dominant position.

“The man has incredible control. It wasn’t a matter of strength, it wasn’t physical, it was almost as if he knew what your next move would be. I could almost taste that victory, but he defeated me fairly and cleanly. He was the best man tonight. I will return to reclaim my belt, but for now, it’s his. He deserves it,” commented Du Plessis.

Dricus Du Plessis

The victory opens up a range of options for Chimaev, 31 years old, who has expressed his interest in competing in different weight classes. He has mentioned the possibility of dropping to 170 pounds to face the winner of the fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, and even going up to 205 pounds. In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy from England could have earned a featherweight title shot after knocking out Aaron Pico. Pico, who debuted in the UFC with high expectations, suffered a knockout with a spinning elbow from Murphy in the third round. This is the most important victory in Murphy’s career, who now has an 8-0-1 record in the UFC.

“This sport is about moments, and I just created one. I accepted this fight on three weeks’ notice. I knew the opportunity was there. I am next in line. Come on, Volkanovski,” Murphy said.

Lerone Murphy

The defending champion, Volkanovski, responded immediately on X, saying: “See you in December Lerone Murphy, congratulations.”