BREAKING: Khamzat Chimaev has made history by claiming the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 319, held on Saturday night, October 14, 2023, at the United Center in Chicago. In a stunning display of dominance, Chimaev (15-0) overwhelmed Dricus Du Plessis (23-3) with an unparalleled performance, leading to all three judges scoring the fight 50-44 in favor of Chimaev.
The fight was marked by Chimaev’s relentless pressure, landing an astonishing 529 total strikes, shattering the previous UFC record of 447 strikes set by Max Holloway in 2021. While Du Plessis managed to avoid a finish, he struggled to mount any significant offense throughout the bout.
Chimaev’s grappling prowess was on full display, successfully converting 12 of 17 takedown attempts and controlling the fight for over 21 minutes of the scheduled 25-minute contest. Remarkably, he took Du Plessis down in the opening minute of every round and achieved a dominant crucifix position on two occasions.
In a post-fight interview, Chimaev expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I am happy, always. I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym.” He acknowledged Du Plessis’ toughness, saying, “That guy is strong. I couldn’t finish. I respect that guy.”
Du Plessis, despite the lopsided score, found moments of resilience. In the final round, he nearly caught Chimaev in a guillotine choke, but the champion managed to escape, ending the fight on top. “The man has incredible control on top,” Du Plessis remarked. “It wasn’t a matter of strength… he beat me fair and square. He was the better man tonight.”
Chimaev’s journey to this championship has been fraught with challenges, including a severe bout with COVID-19 and various medical and visa issues. Yet, since his UFC debut in July 2020, he has swiftly climbed the ranks, defeating notable former champions such as Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.
What’s next for Chimaev? Given his remarkable performance, he is now poised to defend his title against potential challengers eager to dethrone him. The UFC landscape is buzzing with anticipation as fans and fighters alike consider who will step up to face the newly crowned champion.
This victory not only solidifies Chimaev’s status as a dominant force in the UFC but also heightens the excitement for upcoming matchups in the middleweight division. Stay tuned for further developments as Chimaev’s reign begins.
