Since his 2020 debut, Chimaev has been touted as a future UFC champion. 5 years later, the Russian fighter fulfilled that expectation with a historically dominant performance, even without a knockout or submission finish.
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Khamzat Chimaev has his hand raised as the winner and new UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reuters |
Khamzat Chimaev has his hand raised as the winner and new UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reuters
All three judges scored the 5-round bout 50-44 for Chimaev. The 31-year-old set a new UFC record with 529 significant strikes landed, compared to Du Plessis's 45. The previous record was held by Max Holloway with 447 significant strikes against Calvin Kattar in 2021.
"I'm always happy. I never have a game plan, I just go in there and do what I do in the gym. He was a tough opponent, I couldn't finish him, but I respect him. Du Plessis was the only champion who called me out, he has a big heart," Chimaev said after the fight.
At the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on the evening of 16/8, Chimaev took Du Plessis down early in the first round. The Russian fighter successfully executed 12 of 17 takedowns - the most in a title fight since Demetrious Johnson achieved 14 in 2015. In total, Chimaev controlled the ground position for over 21 of 25 minutes. In rounds one and three, he secured Du Plessis in a crucifix position, pinning both of his opponent's arms with his legs and arms, leaving Du Plessis vulnerable to repeated strikes.
Du Plessis smiled between rounds but his fatigue became increasingly evident. In the fifth round, the South African fighter launched a surprise counterattack, escaping Chimaev's hold and attempting a guillotine choke. The hold briefly silenced the crowd, but Chimaev calmly escaped and finished the fight in a dominant position.
"Chimaev's control was insane, he seemed to know everything I was going to do. I almost had him with the guillotine, but in the end, I had to accept defeat. Chimaev was the better man tonight and deserves the belt," Du Plessis admitted.
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Khamzat Chimaev (top) controlled the ground game for 21 minutes and 40 seconds of the 25-minute, 5-round fight. Photo: Sun |
Khamzat Chimaev (top) controlled the ground game for 21 minutes and 40 seconds of the 25-minute, 5-round fight. Photo: Sun
Chimaev was fast-tracked in the middleweight division after winning two fights in just 10 days in 2020. However, in 2021, he suffered a severe case of Covid-19 and faced ongoing visa and health issues. His career has been interrupted multiple times over the past four years.
Each time he returned, Chimaev demonstrated his exceptional strength, including victories over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. To prepare for UFC 319, he was able to train in the US for the first time in almost three years thanks to a new visa.
In 1/2025, Chimaev obtained UAE citizenship, which granted him a two-year US visa. He suggested that changes in the White House contributed to resolving his visa issues.
The victory over Du Plessis opens up numerous options for Chimaev. He stated that he could drop down to welterweight (77kg) to fight the winner of the Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev title fight. The 31-year-old also hinted at the possibility of moving up to light heavyweight (93kg). In the middleweight division, potential contenders include Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, and Reinier de Ridder.
Dricus Du Plessis, 31, is a South African MMA fighter nicknamed "Stillknocks," a play on the common sleeping pill Stilnox, implying his strikes can put opponents to sleep.
Before losing the title to Chimaev, Du Plessis held a record of 23 wins and three losses. He is known for his aggressive fighting style, excellent stamina, and ability to finish fights with both strikes and submissions. He made a name for himself by defeating Robert Whittaker and then Sean Strickland, becoming the first South African UFC champion.
Hong Duy
