Rebound News

Category: MMA

  • MMA in 2026: A New Era Begins as the Sport Looks Ahead

    MMA in 2026: A New Era Begins as the Sport Looks Ahead

    As 2025 draws to a close—already finished in some parts of the world—the MMA landscape is beginning to shift its focus toward what lies ahead. The sport never truly sleeps, but the turn of the year offers a rare pause, a moment to look back before charging full speed into what promises to be a defining chapter in MMA history: 2026.

    The past year delivered its fair share of chaos, breakthroughs, and unforgettable moments. Titles changed hands, rivalries intensified, and new contenders emerged from unexpected places. By the time the calendar flips, the UFC will be led by a fresh group of champions, signalling a generational transition that feels both exciting and inevitable. Familiar names still loom large, but the grip they once had on their divisions has loosened, making room for a new era of stars.

    Beyond the Octagon, the sport itself is evolving. A new broadcast partnership marks a major shift in how fans will consume MMA moving forward. This change represents more than just a different platform — it signals a broader push toward global reach, accessibility, and presentation. The way fights are promoted, packaged, and delivered in 2026 will feel noticeably different, and the ripple effects will be felt from casual viewers to hardcore fans.

    As New Year’s Eve arrived, many of the sport’s biggest figures marked the occasion much like everyone else: surrounded by family, friends, and teammates, reflecting on the grind of the past year and setting intentions for the next. Fighters, coaches, and champions alike took time to acknowledge both the victories and the setbacks that defined their 2025 campaigns. For some, it was a year of validation. For others, it was a harsh reminder of how unforgiving this sport can be.

    Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of opportunity and reckoning. Several divisions feel wide open, with championship gold no longer guarded by untouchable forces. Rising contenders are no longer content with waiting their turn — they’re demanding big fights, quick turnarounds, and legacy-defining moments. At the same time, established stars face growing pressure to adapt, evolve, or risk being left behind.

    The narratives entering the new year are compelling. Will newly crowned champions prove they belong at the top, or will they be short-term placeholders in volatile divisions? Can former titleholders reclaim their dominance, or has time finally caught up with them? And which breakout fighters will seize the moment and transform momentum into superstardom?

    Outside the cage, MMA culture continues to grow. Fighters are becoming more vocal, more visible, and more involved in shaping their own careers. Personal brands matter more than ever, rivalries are built as much online as they are inside the Octagon, and fan engagement has reached unprecedented levels. The sport feels louder, faster, and more connected heading into 2026.

    As fireworks lit up the sky and countdowns echoed across different time zones, the MMA community welcomed the new year with a mix of gratitude and hunger. Gratitude for surviving another brutal season, and hunger for what’s next — bigger fights, higher stakes, and moments that will define careers forever.

    If 2025 was about transition, then 2026 looks poised to be about confirmation. Confirmation of who truly belongs among the elite, which divisions will dominate the conversation, and how far the sport itself can continue to grow.

    One thing is certain: when the cage door closes in 2026, the next chapter of MMA won’t wait for anyone.

  • Islam Makhachev VS Ilia Topuria 2026

    Islam Makhachev VS Ilia Topuria 2026

    Islam Makhachev vs Ilia Topuria has all the ingredients to become one of the biggest fights the sport has ever seen. If it ever happens, it would be the kind of matchup that captures attention far beyond MMA’s core audience. With recent results keeping both men on winning trajectories, the momentum behind this fight continues to grow, and it feels increasingly inevitable

    That said, a fight of this magnitude only makes sense under one specific condition: it has to take place at lightweight (155 lbs).

    The appeal of Makhachev vs Topuria comes from skill, precision, and competitive balance. When Topuria was ruling the featherweight division, he made it clear that his long-term goal was to move up and challenge Makhachev at 155 pounds. At that point, the matchup felt natural — elite grappling versus elite boxing, champion versus champion, with neither man holding an overwhelming physical advantage.

    The dynamic changed once Makhachev moved up to welterweight. While that move opened new doors for him, it complicated the logic of a potential clash with Topuria. Even after committing to lightweight, Topuria is now exploring the idea of chasing Makhachev at 170 pounds. On paper, that may sound historic, but in reality, it undermines what makes the fight compelling in the first place.

    Topuria has never relied on size to dominate. Early in his career, he competed across lower weight classes, and even at featherweight, he wasn’t physically imposing compared to the rest of the division. His move up to lightweight was driven more by the difficulty of cutting weight than by any natural size advantage. And when he competed for gold at 155, the size disparity was obvious — he looked noticeably smaller than the division’s larger lightweights.

    At welterweight, that gap would only widen. Makhachev would carry a clear physical edge in strength, frame, and mass, shifting the fight away from technical brilliance and toward sheer physical imbalance. That kind of disparity doesn’t elevate the matchup; it dulls it.

    A fight this important should be decided by skill, not size. At 170 pounds, the advantage would lean heavily in one direction, making the outcome more predictable and the contest less engaging. There are already intriguing and competitive matchups waiting at welterweight that better test Makhachev at that size, while lightweight remains the division where Topuria can compete on equal footing.

    Ultimately, Makhachev vs Topuria still matters. It still has the potential to be special. But only if it’s made under fair and logical conditions. At lightweight, it’s a battle of champions. Anywhere else, it risks becoming something far less meaningful.

  • Jean Silva vs. Diego Lopes: Tensions Flare Ahead of UFC Fight Night 259 Showdown

    Jean Silva vs. Diego Lopes: Tensions Flare Ahead of UFC Fight Night 259 Showdown

    UFC Fight Night 259: Silva vs. Lopes – Bad Blood Boils Ahead of San Antonio Showdown

    The atmosphere around UFC Fight Night 259 in San Antonio nearly exploded early when Jean Silva and Diego Lopes clashed at the host hotel.

    Silva (16-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) and Lopes (26-7 MMA, 5-2 UFC) headline Saturday’s five-round featherweight main event at Noche UFC inside the Frost Bank Center, but tensions spilled over well before fight night.

    “We saw each other today at the hotel. It almost went down,” Silva told MMA Junkie through an interpreter. “He was with his team, a bunch of 135ers and 145ers. I was with my team, some 170ers, some 185ers. I think the bigger dogs barked louder.”

    Security stepped in before the face-off could turn physical, and Silva credited his coach Flávio Álvaro for keeping things from boiling over with a pointed warning to Lopes.

    Silva Unshaken as the Favorite

    Silva enters the main event unbeaten in the UFC, his 5-0 record stacked with highlight finishes that have made him one of the division’s most exciting prospects. Despite Lopes’ attempts at psychological warfare, Silva insists he’s locked in.

    “I’m already the winner, I’m already the world champ since I decided to join this,” Silva said. “It doesn’t really change anything, but the bets are still on if he still wants it — and I bet my purse is better than his.”

    Silva is also the betting favorite, with oddsmakers backing his explosive power and finishing instincts.

    Lopes Hunting Redemption

    For Diego Lopes, the stakes are just as high. Coming off a title-fight loss to Alexander Volkanovski, the slick grappler is eager to bounce back and remind fans he belongs among the featherweight elite. His high-pressure style and submission arsenal make him a dangerous puzzle if the fight stretches into later rounds.

    For Lopes, Saturday represents a chance to bounce back and prove he belongs in the featherweight elite. Known for his slick grappling and aggressive pace, Lopes could flip the odds if he manages to drag Silva into deeper waters.

    What’s at Stake

    • For Silva: A chance to cement himself as a legitimate featherweight contender and push closer to a title shot.
    • For Lopes: Redemption, momentum, and the chance to shake off the sting of defeat against one of the toughest rising stars in the UFC.

    With bad blood brewing and both fighters carrying high stakes, UFC Fight Night 259 promises fireworks when Silva and Lopes finally meet inside the Octagon.

  • UFC 322: Why Islam Makhachev Is Favored to Dethrone Jack Della Maddalena

    UFC 322: Why Islam Makhachev Is Favored to Dethrone Jack Della Maddalena

    When two champions collide, the stakes skyrocket—and so does the excitement for fight fans. At UFC 322, lightweight king Islam Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) moves up in weight to challenge Jack Della Maddalena (18-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) for the welterweight crown at Madison Square Garden.

    But while Della Maddalena owns the 170-pound belt, the betting odds tell a different story.

    The Odds: Makhachev Favored Despite Size Difference

    Makhachev opens as a -210 favorite, while Della Maddalena sits as the +185 underdog. In betting terms, this means oddsmakers see Makhachev—the smaller man on fight night—as the likelier fighter to win despite moving up a weight class.

    Why? Makhachev’s dominance at lightweight has been undeniable. Since claiming the title at UFC 280 with a submission win over Charles Oliveira, he has turned back elite opponents like Alexander Volkanovski (twice), Dustin Poirier, and Renato Moicano. His grappling-heavy style, combined with improved striking, has made him one of the most complete fighters in the UFC today.

    Della Maddalena: The Dangerous Underdog

    On the other side, Della Maddalena brings power, precision, and an unblemished UFC record. The Australian star captured the welterweight belt by defeating Belal Muhammad in a hard-fought decision at UFC 315. Known for his crisp boxing and knockout ability, Della Maddalena thrives on punishing opponents who take risks.

    At +225, bettors who believe in the champ’s size and striking advantage could see solid returns if he pulls off the upset.

    What the Odds Really Mean

    • Makhachev (-210): reflects his dominance and proven championship pedigree.
    • Della Maddalena (+185): suggests the oddsmakers expect Makhachev to control the fight, but acknowledge Della Maddalena’s knockout threat.

    With two champions colliding, the odds lean heavily toward skill and experience over size and power.

  • Ex-UFC Champ’s Son Explodes at L.A. Wrestling Show — Brutal Ring Attack Leaves Wrestler Bloodied

    Ex-UFC Champ’s Son Explodes at L.A. Wrestling Show — Brutal Ring Attack Leaves Wrestler Bloodied

    LOS ANGELES — Chaos erupted at a KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy show this past weekend when Raja Jackson, the son of former UFC champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, stormed the ring and launched a brutal, real-life assault on pro wrestler Stuart Smith — known to fans as Syko Stu.

    The shocking incident went down Saturday night and was caught on camera, leaving fans and fellow wrestlers stunned as what was supposed to be a scripted wrestling spot spiraled completely out of control.

    The Attack That Nobody Saw Coming

    Video from the event shows Raja Jackson entering the ring mid-match, slamming Syko Stu to the mat, then mounting him and delivering nearly two dozen punches to the wrestler’s head. Smith appeared to lose consciousness and offered no defense as other wrestlers scrambled to pull Raja off him.

    Blood poured from Smith’s face as he lay motionless in the ring — an image that has since gone viral across social media.

    Smith’s brother later shared on Facebook that the wrestler is “conscious and does have some recollection of events from the day of the attack,” adding that he is now resting and thankful for the outpouring of support from fans.

    Rampage Jackson Speaks Out

    Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, the former UFC champ and father of Raja, was quick to condemn the attack on X (formerly Twitter), calling it “bad judgment, and a work that went wrong.”

    “Raja is an MMA fighter, not a pro wrestler and had no business being involved in an event like this,” Jackson wrote. “I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL!”

    He also revealed that Raja had suffered a concussion during MMA sparring just days earlier and had been told he could get “payback” after a fellow wrestler hit him with a can as part of a planned stunt.

    Wrestling Promotion Reacts

    KnokX Pro Wrestling released a statement on Facebook expressing shock over the attack and confirming that the brutal beatdown was NOT part of the script:

    “What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred.”

    The promotion offered thoughts and prayers to Smith and apologized to fans for what they called a “disgraceful moment.”

    Streaming Platform Bans Raja Jackson

    The entire incident was streamed live on Kick, a platform that quickly moved to suspend Raja Jackson’s account.

    “Kick’s community guidelines make it clear that excessive violence is not permitted,” a spokesperson said. “Content in breach of our guidelines is removed and users will be suspended or banned.”

    What’s Next for Raja Jackson?

    At just 25 years old, Raja Jackson holds a 1-1 professional MMA record but has no background in pro wrestling. Many fans are now calling for disciplinary action, while others are questioning whether his recent concussion may have played a role in his behavior.

    For now, the focus remains on the recovery of Syko Stu, who reportedly remains under medical observation but is awake and communicating with family.

    Quinton Jackson summed up the mood best, writing:

    “As a father, I’m deeply concerned with my son’s health AND the well-being of Mr. Smith… My main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery.”

  • Sean Strickland Hit with 6-Month UFC Ban: Ex-Champ Eyes Explosive Showdown with Khamzat Chimaev

    Sean Strickland Hit with 6-Month UFC Ban: Ex-Champ Eyes Explosive Showdown with Khamzat Chimaev

    Emotions spilled over on June 29, 2025, at a Tuff-N-Uff MMA event in Las Vegas when former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland stormed the cage after his fighter Miles Hunsinger’s submission loss to Luis Hernandez. What started as post-fight taunts from Hernandez quickly erupted into chaos, as Strickland swung punches at the victorious fighter in front of a stunned crowd.

    The fallout from Sean Strickland’s outburst at a regional MMA event in Las Vegas was swift. The Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) handed the former UFC middleweight champion a six-month suspension and a $5,000 fine for storming the cage and throwing punches at Luis Hernandez following his fighter’s loss on June 29, 2025.

    The suspension, retroactive to the date of the incident, sidelines Strickland until December 29, 2025. Fellow UFC fighter Chris Curtis, also caught up in the melee, received a $2,500 fine.

    Strickland could, however, return earlier. The NSAC left the door open for a reduced 4.5-month ban if he completes an anger management program—potentially clearing him for a comeback in mid-November.

    Respectful in Person, Provocative Online

    At the disciplinary hearing, Strickland struck a surprisingly measured tone. Known for his inflammatory comments, he apologized for his actions and accepted responsibility. NSAC Chairman Dallas Haun even acknowledged his cooperation: “He apologized for his behavior. We appreciate someone stepping up, owning something, and allowing a resolution to be reached quickly.”

    Online, though, Strickland stayed true to form. His Instagram response blended accountability with fresh controversy:

    “Well! Ready to put this to bed and get back in the cage. Can’t have a terrorist as a champion, sadly I think I’m the only one to change that. Appreciate the commission for getting this done.. Anger management here I come….”– Sean Strickland

    The Middleweight Division Moves On

    Strickland’s suspension comes at a pivotal moment in the division. Khamzat Chimaev is on a tear, capturing the UFC middleweight title after dismantling Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319. With a spotless 15-0 record, Chimaev has surged up the pound-for-pound rankings and established himself as the man to beat.

    Strickland, who shocked the world by dethroning Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 before losing the belt to du Plessis, has made it clear he wants his title back. A win over another top contender—names like Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony Hernandez, Caio Borralho, or even Reinier de Ridder—may be required before he can secure a shot at Chimaev.

    What’s Next

    If Strickland completes anger management, he could be cleared as soon as November. Otherwise, late December is the earliest fans will see him back in the octagon. Either way, he’s already setting his sights on Chimaev, and the feud is heating up fast.

    One thing is certain: Sean Strickland wants another crack at UFC gold. The only question is whether the UFC will give him the path to make it happen.

  • Francis Ngannou vs Deontay Wilder: Heavyweight Knockout Superfight on the Horizon

    Francis Ngannou vs Deontay Wilder: Heavyweight Knockout Superfight on the Horizon

    For years, fans have fantasized about two of the most devastating punchers in combat sports finally squaring off. Now, according to Francis Ngannou, that fantasy could become reality.

    Ngannou revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that the long-discussed bout with Deontay Wilder could be nearing fruition:

    “We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s going to be soon. We are setting some things up.” – Francis Ngannou

    With both fighters carrying legendary knockout power, a potential showdown isn’t just hype — it’s the kind of explosive encounter that could reshape both boxing and MMA landscapes.

    Ngannou’s Journey from MMA to the Boxing Ring

    • A former UFC heavyweight champion, Ngannou signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after leaving the UFC in early 2023.
    • In his pro boxing debut, he stunned the world by knocking down Tyson Fury in the third round, eventually losing by a controversial split decision. WikipediaThe New Yorker
    • In March 2024, Anthony Joshua knocked Ngannou out in the second round of their fight. Wikipedia
    • A personal setback followed with the tragic loss of his son in April 2024. Ngannou rebounded later that year, winning the PFL heavyweight title via first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira. Although not detailed in sources, his MMA record is:
      • MMA Record: 18–3, with 17 finishes (knockouts or submissions)
      • Boxing Record: 0–2, but featuring that memorable Fury knockdown

    Wilder’s Rocky Road Back to Form

    • Deontay “Bronze Bomber” Wilder, known for his devastating right hand, boasts a record of 44–4–1 with 43 knockouts.
    • After losing his heavyweight title to Tyson Fury in 2020 and falling again in the trilogy fight in 2021, Wilder endured a rocky return with losses to Joseph Parker (2023) and a brutal KO by Zhilei Zhang (2024).
    • In June 2025, he returned with a gritty seventh-round TKO victory over Tyrrell Herndon, dropping him twice en route to victory. ESPN.comBad Left HookThe SunWikipedia

    The former UFC heavyweight champion revealed on The Ariel Helwani Show that conversations with Deontay Wilder are finally in motion:

    “We haven’t engaged personally, but it’s going to be soon. We are setting some things up.” – Francis Ngannou

    With both men carrying legendary knockout power, a potential Ngannou vs. Wilder fight is more than just a spectacle — it’s an explosive encounter that could shake the fight world to its core.

    Ngannou’s Journey from MMA to Boxing

    Ngannou, 38, left the UFC in early 2023 and signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL). While many expected him to stay inside the MMA cage, he shocked the world by stepping into the boxing ring against Tyson Fury in October 2023.

    Despite being a debutant, Ngannou floored Fury in the third round and pushed the heavyweight king to a split decision.

    But reality struck in March 2024, when Anthony Joshua handed Ngannou a humbling knockout loss, dropping him three times in two rounds.

    After suffering personal tragedy with the loss of his young son in April 2024, Ngannou returned to the cage later that year, reclaiming his dominance with a first-round stoppage of Renan Ferreira to capture the PFL heavyweight title. His MMA record now stands at 18-3, with 17 wins by knockout or submission — proof of his unparalleled power.

    Wilder’s Rocky Road Back

    On the other side stands Deontay “The Bronze Bomber” Wilder, one of the most destructive knockout artists in boxing history. With 43 KOs in 44 victories, Wilder’s right hand is legendary.

    Wilder’s reign as heavyweight champion ended in February 2020, when he fell to Tyson Fury in their rematch. The trilogy bout in October 2021 was an instant classic, but Wilder was stopped again in the 11th round after a back-and-forth war.

    After years of inactivity, Wilder struggled to regain momentum. Losses to Joseph Parker (2023) and a brutal knockout at the hands of Zhilei Zhang (2024) raised questions about his future. Still, in June 2025, Wilder roared back with a seventh-round TKO over Tyrrell Anthony Herndon, showing there’s life left in his thunderous fists.

    “I’m definitely interested.” – Deontay Wilder on a Ngannou fight

    Why This Match-Up Matters

    Both fighters bring something unique to the table:

    This isn’t just another fight — it’s a high-stakes collision of eras and skillsets:

    • Ngannou: The most destructive puncher in MMA history, enhanced legitimacy in boxing after the Fury bout.
    • Wilder: A pure boxing heavyweight with an astonishing KO-to-win ratio.

    The possible ramifications? Think crossover event, hybrid rules, or a landmark in combat sports lore.

    What to Expect If the Fight Happens

    If the fight gets finalized, expect explosive highlights, unfinished business, and headline-grabbing drama. Both men possess the power to end fights in an instant.

    This also explains why Ngannou declined Jarrell Miller’s undercard fight at the upcoming Canelo vs. Crawford event — Wilder represents a much weightier target, both literally and figuratively.

    Two of the heaviest hitters in combat sports. One ring. No excuses.

    Final Thoughts

    A Ngannou vs. Wilder showdown promises spectacle, danger, and a highlight reel for the ages. Whether under traditional boxing rules, hybrid formats, or something entirely new, the collision of these destructive forces could be legendary.

    One thing’s for sure: if they step into the same ring, blink and you’ll miss it.

  • Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane Headlines UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi

    Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane Headlines UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi

    The heavyweight division finally has clarity. On October 25, 2025, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi will host a long-awaited showdown as Tom Aspinall makes his first defense of the undisputed UFC heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane.

    Aspinall Becomes Undisputed Champion

    Aspinall (15–3 MMA, 8–1 UFC) was promoted to undisputed champion earlier this summer after Jon Jones announced his retirement. For nearly a year, Aspinall had been chasing Jones, hoping to unify the belts inside the Octagon.

    That fight never happened. Instead, Aspinall’s road to gold began at UFC 295 in November 2023, when he demolished Sergei Pavlovich in just 109 seconds to capture the interim belt. He defended it the following summer at UFC 304, stopping Curtis Blaydes in only a minute to avenge his lone UFC loss.

    Jones’ decision to walk away left Aspinall as the unquestioned king of the heavyweight division — and now, he finally gets the chance to prove it with his first official title defense.

    The Long-Delayed Clash with Ciryl Gane

    This isn’t the first time Aspinall and Gane have been booked. In fact, this is the fourth attempt to make the fight happen. Somehow, schedules, injuries, and opportunities always got in the way. But on October 25, there’s nowhere else to run.

    Aspinall knows exactly what’s at stake:

    “This is the fourth time that we’ve been matched up together,” he said. “Me and Ciryl got in the UFC around the same time. Now we are matched up, October 25, Abu Dhabi. This is Ciryl’s third title shot. So, we are going to try and get rid of Ciryl Gane from the title picture for good.”

    A Heavyweight Fight Like No Other

    What makes this fight so intriguing is that both men don’t fight like heavyweights.

    Aspinall is fast, elusive, and technical, with the finishing instincts of a true predator. Gane (13–2 MMA, 10–2 UFC), meanwhile, is regarded as one of the slickest strikers the division has ever seen, moving more like a middleweight than a man his size.

    That unique dynamic could make UFC 321’s main event one of the most exciting heavyweight title fights in history.

    “We don’t fight like heavyweights, both of us,” Aspinall explained. “So this could be the fastest, best-moving heavyweight fight anybody’s ever seen. We’re both great movers, light on our feet, elusive – this is going to be great.”

    Ciryl Gane’s Last Chance?

    For Ciryl Gane, UFC 321 represents do-or-die territory.

    He has already fallen short twice in championship fights: once against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270 in 2022, and then against Jon Jones for the vacant title in 2023. This will be his third crack at UFC gold, and with Aspinall making it clear that he wants to shut the door on Gane’s title hopes, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

    What’s Next

    UFC 321 will be the crown jewel of a stacked autumn lineup, coming just weeks after UFC 320 (headlined by Merab Dvalishvili vs Cory Sandhagen and Alex Pereira vs Magomed Ankalaev).

    📅 October 25, 2025
    📍 Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi
    🏆 Main Event: Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane – Undisputed Heavyweight Championship

    The heavyweight division moves forward without Jon Jones, and Tom Aspinall is ready to prove he’s the true No. 1. But can Ciryl Gane finally turn his elusive style into championship gold, or will Aspinall slam the door shut once and for all?

  • Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Du Plessis to Claim Middleweight Crown

    Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Du Plessis to Claim Middleweight Crown

    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.