UFC 319, Saturday Night
Khamzat Chimaev is the new king of the UFC middleweight division. The undefeated Russian dismantled champion Dricus Du Plessis at the United Center, winning a unanimous decision by scores of 50-44 on all three judges’ cards.
From the opening bell, Chimaev imposed his suffocating style. He secured a takedown inside the first 10 seconds and never allowed Du Plessis to settle. Over five rounds, “Borz” completed 12 of 17 takedown attempts and delivered a relentless barrage of ground strikes, knees, and elbows.
The statistics were staggering: Chimaev outlanded Du Plessis 529-45 in total strikes, setting a new UFC record with a +484 striking differential. That figure shattered the previous record held by Max Holloway (+312).
The only moment of danger came late in the fifth round, when Du Plessis attempted a guillotine choke. But Chimaev calmly escaped, regained control, and closed the fight on top.
After the bout, both men showed respect.
“Happy, happy always,” Chimaev said. “That guy is strong to the finish. Great heart.”
Du Plessis, now 23-3, admitted Chimaev was the better fighter on the night:
“He’s just like a blanket. Not about strength, it’s like he knew my next move. I almost had it at the end, but credit to him.”
Chimaev improves to 15-0 and becomes middleweight champion after a turbulent career marked by injuries, withdrawals, and even a brief retirement in 2021.
The question now is whether he can stay active. With contenders like Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Jared Cannonier waiting, the division is stacked. If his health holds, the “Borz Era” could reshape middleweight MMA.
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