Chechen-born star Khamzat Chimaev has been officially crowned the new UFC middleweight champion after producing a masterful grappling performance to defeat South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago.
On a night filled with anticipation, Chimaev showed why he has long been considered one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the UFC, controlling nearly every aspect of the five-round battle. The bout ended in a unanimous decision, with the judges scoring the contest 50-44 across the board, highlighting Chimaev’s dominance from start to finish.
A Fast Start Sets the Tone
From the opening bell, Chimaev imposed his trademark style of relentless pressure and suffocating grappling. In the very first minute, he shot for a takedown and secured it effortlessly, immediately bringing Du Plessis to the canvas. Once on the mat, Chimaev locked his opponent in a crucifix position, pinning both arms while raining down punches with his left hand. Although the strikes did not inflict significant damage, the control he displayed sent a strong message: this was his fight to dictate.
Du Plessis, known for his toughness and durability, survived the onslaught and managed to push the fight into the second round, but the warning signs were already evident.
Relentless Pressure Through the Middle Rounds
The second round mirrored the first, as Chimaev once again took the fight to the ground. This time, the 31-year-old Chechen worked his way to Du Plessis’s back, controlling him with a body lock while threatening with both choke attempts and knee strikes. The South African struggled to shake him off and looked increasingly drained as the minutes ticked away.
By the third and fourth rounds, Du Plessis appeared exhausted. His usual explosiveness and power were missing, smothered under Chimaev’s constant grappling pressure. Each time he tried to reset on his feet, he found himself back against the cage or dragged down again. Chimaev’s game plan may not have been flashy, but it was ruthlessly effective, leaving Du Plessis with little opportunity to mount any meaningful offense.
A Glimmer of Hope in the Final Round
The only significant moment of resistance from Du Plessis came late in the fifth round. With his back against the wall, the former champion finally found a position that allowed him to attempt some offense. For a brief moment, the crowd sensed the possibility of a turnaround, but Chimaev’s composure and control ensured that no real threat materialized. The judges’ scorecards reflected the one-sided nature of the fight, giving Chimaev a clear and decisive victory.
Chimaev’s Reaction
After having the championship belt wrapped around his waist, Chimaev spoke with a mix of humility and respect for his opponent.
"I never game-plan. I just came in, work like I do in the gym. That guy is strong, I couldn't finish, respect that guy, he's the only champion who was saying my name. This guy has real heart, a real lion, a real African lion," Chimaev said.
The win solidified his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport, and he now holds the UFC middleweight title, a crown that many believed was within his grasp for years.
Du Plessis Shows Class in Defeat
Despite losing his belt, Du Plessis remained gracious in defeat, acknowledging the superiority of his opponent while promising fans that he would return stronger.
"He deserves this 100 percent, he beat me fair and square tonight. He was the better man tonight, and I'll be back. I'll come and get my belt back, but for now, it's his and he deserves it, and he has to enjoy it," Du Plessis said.
The South African, who had built an impressive reputation with a string of victories leading up to UFC 319, will now have to regroup and plan his path back to the title picture. His resilience and determination suggest that fans may not have seen the last of him on the championship stage.
What Comes Next
For Chimaev, the win marks the beginning of a new chapter. Now champion, he sits at the top of one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions. Contenders will be lining up for their chance to dethrone him, but the manner in which he controlled Du Plessis suggests that many will face an uphill battle against his wrestling-heavy style.
There will be immediate speculation about who will challenge him next. Whether it is a rematch with Du Plessis, a bout with a top-ranked striker looking to test his chin, or a clash with another elite grappler, Chimaev’s reign promises to be both exciting and unpredictable.
For Du Plessis, while the loss was decisive, his resilience in surviving five rounds against one of the sport’s most relentless fighters ensures he remains a top contender. His vow to reclaim the belt will likely motivate him as he works his way back into contention.
A Statement Victory
Ultimately, UFC 319 will be remembered as the night Chimaev announced his arrival as champion. From his suffocating ground control to his ability to neutralize one of the division’s toughest fighters, it was a performance that left little doubt about his status at the top.
Both men left the octagon with respect intact — Chimaev as the new middleweight king, and Du Plessis as a former champion determined to fight his way back. For fans, it sets the stage for an exciting future in the middleweight division.
