Khamzat Chimaev Reigns Supreme: Dominates Dricus Du Plessis for Middleweight Title at UFC 319
Chicago, IL – August 16, 2025 – Khamzat Chimaev has reached the pinnacle of mixed martial arts, capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship with a commanding performance against dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319.The event, held at the United Center, witnessed chimaev fulfill the immense expectations placed upon him since his explosive UFC debut.
Meta description: Khamzat Chimaev crowned UFC Middleweight Champion at UFC 319 by dominating Dricus Du Plessis, setting a new strike record.
from the opening bell, Chimaev displayed a relentless pace, overwhelming the South African champion. While du Plessis demonstrated resilience, managing to avoid a stoppage, he was unable to counter Chimaev’s suffocating offense. The judges unanimously scored the bout 50-44 in favor of Chimaev,underscoring the one-sided nature of the encounter.
A Record-Breaking Performance
Chimaev’s striking volume was historic, landing an astounding 529 total strikes compared to Du Plessis’s 45. This shattered the previous UFC record of 447 total strikes set by Max Holloway in his 2021 bout against Calvin Kattar. Chimaev’s ability to maintain such a high output throughout the championship rounds highlighted his extraordinary conditioning and strategic dominance.
Chimaev’s Journey to the Top
The path to championship gold for Chimaev has been a testament to his perseverance. After an electrizing start to his UFC career in July 2020, with two wins in just ten days, his trajectory was unexpectedly altered by a severe bout of COVID-19 in 2021. Combined with visa complications, thes setbacks tested his resolve over the past four years.
Despite these challenges, Chimaev consistently proved his elite status, securing victories against formidable former champions like Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. His performance at UFC 319 further cemented his reputation as an unstoppable force within the promotion.
Statistical dominance at UFC 319
| Statistic | Khamzat Chimaev | Dricus Du Plessis |
|---|---|---|
| Total Strikes Landed | 529 | 45 |
| Takedown Attempts | 17 | N/A |
| Takedowns Landed | 12 | N/A |
| Fight Time in Control Position | Over 21 minutes | limited |
Chimaev’s Strategic Approach
“I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym,” Chimaev stated post-fight. He highlighted Du Plessis’s strength and heart, acknowledging the respect between the two fighters.Chimaev’s adaptable fighting style,characterized by constant forward pressure and effective grappling,proved too much for the defending champion.
His takedown game was particularly effective,securing 12 successful attempts,tying for the third-most in a UFC title fight and the most since Demetrious Johnson in 2015. Chimaev consistently put Du Plessis in dominant positions, including two instances of a crucifix in the first and third rounds, leaving his opponent vulnerable.
Du Plessis’s Gracious Acknowledgement
Despite the decisive loss, Du Plessis maintained a sportsmanlike demeanor. He acknowledged Chimaev’s superior top control and predictive ability. “It wasn’t a matter of strength, it wasn’t physical, it was almost like he knew what your next move was,” Du Plessis commented.
He admitted, “I could almost taste that victory [with the choke], but he beat me fair and square.He was the better man tonight.I’ll be coming to get my belt back, but for now, it’s his. He deserves it.” Du plessis’s late submission attempt in the final round showcased his fighting spirit, but Chimaev expertly navigated the danger.
The Legacy of Dominance: Key Takeaways from Chimaev’s Championship Reign
Khamzat Chimaev’s ascension to the middleweight throne signifies more than just a change in championship. It underscores his unique blend of offensive power, grappling prowess, and mental fortitude. His ability to consistently apply pressure and control the pace of fights has set a new standard in the division.
Did You Know? The UFC has a history of promoting fighters with exceptional talent, often predicting future champions early in their careers. Chimaev’s journey embodies this trend, overcoming significant obstacles to achieve his championship aspirations, much like other dominant figures such as Jon Jones or Anderson Silva.
Pro Tip: Understanding a fighter’s transition between weight classes is crucial for predicting future success. Chimaev’s move to middleweight and his immediate championship contention highlight the importance of athletic adaptability and strategic career management in professional combat sports.
The sheer volume of strikes landed by chimaev is a critical indicator of his offensive output and control within the octagon. This statistical dominance often translates to a significant advantage in judging criteria, even if a fighter doesn’t secure a finish. Factors like effective striking, grappling control, and aggression are all key components of a winning UFC performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC 319 and Khamzat Chimaev
- Who won the UFC 319 middleweight championship fight?
- Khamzat Chimaev won the UFC 319 middleweight championship fight against Dricus Du Plessis.
- What was the outcome of the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis fight?
- Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision with judges scoring the fight 50-44.
- Did Khamzat Chimaev set any records at UFC 319?
- Yes,Khamzat Chimaev set a new UFC record for most total strikes landed in a fight with 529.
- When and were did UFC 319 take place?
- UFC 319 took place on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
- What is Khamzat Chimaev’s current fight record?
- Khamzat Chimaev’s current fight record is 15-0.
- what is dricus Du Plessis’s record after UFC 319?
- Dricus Du Plessis’s record after UFC 319 is 23-3.
