Quick Read
- Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 to claim the middleweight title.
- Chimaev landed 12 takedowns and controlled nearly 88% of the fight.
- The fight was criticized for its wrestling-heavy style, but Chimaev remained unfazed.
- Du Plessis acknowledged Chimaev’s dominance and vowed to return stronger.
- Chimaev, now 15-0, has set his sights on becoming a multi-division champion.
Khamzat Chimaev’s meteoric rise in the UFC reached a new pinnacle on August 16, 2025, as the 31-year-old Russian defeated South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis to claim the middleweight championship at UFC 319 in Chicago’s United Center. The five-round bout was a testament to Chimaev’s grappling dominance and tactical precision, as he controlled Du Plessis for nearly 22 minutes of the fight, earning a unanimous decision victory with scores of 50-44 across the board.
A Grappling Clinic: Chimaev’s Dominance
From the opening seconds of the fight, Chimaev made his strategy clear. Within ten seconds, he executed his first takedown, a move that set the tone for the rest of the bout. Over the course of five rounds, Chimaev landed a total of 12 takedowns, tying for the third most in a UFC title fight since 2015. Using his signature grappling prowess, he maintained control on the ground, often pinning Du Plessis in the crucifix position and landing a barrage of strikes. According to USA Today, Chimaev landed a staggering 529 total strikes compared to Du Plessis’ 45, further highlighting his dominance.
Despite the lopsided nature of the fight, Du Plessis showed resilience, fending off multiple choke attempts and even mounting a brief offensive in the fifth round. However, his efforts were insufficient to turn the tide. As ESPN noted, this was the first loss of Du Plessis’ UFC career, ending his four-fight winning streak against former or current middleweight champions.
The Numbers Behind the Performance
The statistical breakdown of the fight underscores Chimaev’s superiority. He controlled 88% of the fight, spending over 21 minutes on top of Du Plessis. His 12 takedowns came from 17 attempts, showcasing his efficiency in wrestling exchanges. While his strikes lacked knockout power, the sheer volume and precision overwhelmed Du Plessis. As CBS Sports highlighted, Chimaev’s relentless ground game left Du Plessis with little opportunity to mount a meaningful offense.
Judges scored the fight 50-44 unanimously, a rare clean sweep in a title bout. The Chicago crowd, however, expressed their dissatisfaction with the wrestling-heavy contest, booing at various points. Chimaev, unfazed, remarked, “Happy, happy always. Get my money. Dana (White), save my money, brother.”
Du Plessis Reflects on the Loss
For Du Plessis, the loss marked a humbling moment in his career. The South African champion, who entered the fight with a 23-2 record, acknowledged Chimaev’s tactical brilliance. “The man has incredible control on the top,” Du Plessis told UFC.com. “He’s just like a blanket. It wasn’t a matter of strength; it’s almost as if he knew what your next move was going to be.” Despite the setback, Du Plessis vowed to return stronger, stating, “I could almost taste that victory. But big ups to Chimaev. He beat me fair and square tonight. He was the better man.”
Historical Implications and the Future
Chimaev’s victory adds a new chapter to the UFC middleweight division, which has seen five title changes in less than three years. Now 15-0, Chimaev has solidified his status as one of the most dominant fighters in the sport. His aspirations extend beyond the middleweight division, with plans to pursue championships in the welterweight and light heavyweight divisions. As ESPN noted, his performance at UFC 319 makes these ambitions seem increasingly plausible.
The event also featured several other notable performances. Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates delivered back-to-back spinning elbow knockouts, a first in UFC history. Michael “Venom” Page scored a unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier, while Tim Elliott returned from a hiatus to submit Kai Asakura in the second round. These fights added to an electrifying night of mixed martial arts at the United Center.
With Chimaev now at the helm of the middleweight division, the UFC faces intriguing questions about his next challenger. Whether it’s a rematch with Du Plessis or a showdown with another contender, Chimaev’s reign promises to be one of the most compelling in recent memory.
As the dust settles on UFC 319, one thing is clear: Khamzat Chimaev has arrived as a dominant force in the UFC, and his journey is only just beginning.