Khamzat Chimaev Claims UFC Middleweight Title in Dominant Victory
URGENT UPDATE: Khamzat Chimaev has officially claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship, decisively defeating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 on Saturday night at the United Center in Chicago. Chimaev’s performance was nothing short of historic, as he showcased his dominance in a fight that will go down as one of the most lopsided in UFC history.
The judges scored the bout an overwhelming 50-44 in favor of Chimaev, who landed a staggering 529 total strikes compared to just 45 for Du Plessis. This new record surpasses the previous high of 447 strikes set by Max Holloway in 2021.
Chimaev (15-0) left no doubt about his capabilities, executing 12 takedowns during the fight, tying for the third-most in UFC title fight history. He dominated every round, taking Du Plessis down in the opening minute and controlling the fight for over 21 minutes.
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 praised Du Plessis, saying, “That guy is strong. I couldn’t finish. I respect that guy.” The respect between the fighters was evident, with Du Plessis acknowledging Chimaev’s skill, stating, “He was the better man tonight.”
Despite Du Plessis’ (23-3) resilience, which included a late scramble for a guillotine attempt in the final round, Chimaev’s control proved insurmountable. The South African fighter noted, “It wasn’t a matter of strength… it was almost like he knew what your next move was.”
This victory marks a significant milestone for Chimaev, who burst onto the UFC scene with two wins in just ten days back in July 2020. His journey has not been without challenges, including a severe case of COVID-19 in 2021 and various medical and visa issues. However, his relentless pursuit of greatness has led him to this historic title win.
As the MMA world watches, Chimaev’s reign as champion has just begun, and Du Plessis has made it clear he intends to reclaim the title, stating, “I’ll be coming to get my belt back, but for now, it’s his. He deserves it.”
This fight has not only solidified Chimaev’s position at the top of the middleweight division but also sets the stage for an exciting future in the sport. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see what comes next for both fighters in this ever-evolving landscape of the UFC.
Stay tuned for updates on upcoming bouts and potential rematches as the implications of this fight continue to unfold.
