BREAKING: Khamzat Chimaev has officially been crowned the new middleweight champion after a stunning victory at UFC 319 in Chicago on October 7, 2023. Chimaev delivered a record-breaking performance, landing an astonishing 529 total strikes against former champion Dricus Du Plessis, marking a new UFC milestone.
This fight marked a pivotal moment in Chimaev’s career, capturing the title five years after his UFC debut. In a commanding display, he controlled the fight for an incredible 21 minutes and 41 seconds, leaving Du Plessis struggling to stay on his feet. Chimaev shattered the previous record of 447 strikes landed by Max Holloway, showcasing his dominance and grappling prowess.
The implications of this victory are immense. Chimaev, now undefeated, has positioned himself as a formidable force in the middleweight division with a unique combination of grappling and striking skills. He has yet to face many top contenders, providing exciting potential matchups against fighters like Reinier De Ridder and Anthony Hernandez.
In addition to Chimaev’s triumph, UFC 319 featured remarkable performances from Carlos Prates and Lerone Murphy, who both scored first-round victories with spinning back elbows in back-to-back bouts. Murphy, now sporting an impressive 8-0-1 UFC record, is being touted as a serious contender for the featherweight title after his impressive knockout of Aaron Pico.
Prates, who rebounded from a recent defeat, delivered a spectacular knockout against Geoff Neal just seconds before the end of Round 1, reigniting his momentum in the welterweight class. He called for a fight on the upcoming UFC card in Rio de Janeiro, a request that was promptly granted by UFC CEO Dana White.
As Chimaev begins his reign, the question looms: who can stand against him? With a clear path ahead and a deep talent pool in the middleweight division, Chimaev is set to make history. His health will be crucial, as he has faced challenges in the past, including a battle with COVID-19.
UFC 319 not only showcased thrilling fights but also set the stage for a new era in the UFC as Chimaev takes his place among the greats. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this unfolds as the mixed martial arts community responds to the electrifying events from Chicago.
Stay tuned for more updates as the aftermath of UFC 319 continues to develop.
