In a commanding show at UFC 319 in Chicago, undefeated Khamzat Chimaev dethroned middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis to say the UFC middleweight title.
The bout, held on the United Heart, was Du Plessis’ third title protection following victories over Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, and demonstrated Chimaev’s relentless wrestling dominance contained in the Octagon.
Khamzat Chimaev has defeated Driscus Du Plessis through UNANIMOUS DECISION to change into the brand new Middleweight world Champion of the world 🏆 pic.twitter.com/5NK1gtNL2N
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 17, 2025
Each fighters stepped into the cage with confidence, Du Plessis using an 11-fight win streak and Chimaev undefeated at 14-0. From the opening bell, Chimaev set the tone, capturing in for a takedown seconds into spherical one. He instantly transitioned to facet management and secured a crucifix, delivering a number of brief punches whereas controlling Du Plessis on the canvas. Regardless of makes an attempt to buck Chimaev off and work towards the fence, Du Plessis spent almost the whole spherical pinned, solely briefly escaping Chimaev’s again management earlier than being returned to the mat.
Spherical two noticed an analogous sample, with Chimaev taking Du Plessis down early. Chimaev managed from the again, delivering knee strikes to Du Plessis’ physique whereas fishing for a rear-naked choke with two minutes remaining. Du Plessis tried to counter with blocked strikes, together with a head kick, however couldn’t stop Chimaev from sustaining dominance. Judges scored the primary two rounds closely in favor of the challenger.
In spherical three, Chimaev continued to dictate the combat, taking Du Plessis down as soon as extra and trapping him in one other crucifix. Whereas touchdown low-impact photographs, Chimaev brought on seen injury close to Du Plessis’ proper eye. A late scramble allowed Du Plessis to briefly reverse the place, however Chimaev rapidly regained management, taking his again and sustaining high dominance.
Rounds 4 and 5 have been kind of the identical, with Chimaev securing a number of takedowns, totaling at the least seven throughout the combat, and controlling Du Plessis from facet management and again positions. Regardless of a short reversal and guillotine try from Du Plessis in spherical 5, Chimaev remained firmly in management, incomes the unanimous choice victory. The combat featured minimal important injury however showcased Chimaev’s superior wrestling and positional dominance over the reigning champion.
Chimaev’s win ended Du Plessis’ run as middleweight champion, who had held the belt since UFC 297 in January 2024.
All three judges scored the combat for Khamzat Chimaev through unanimous choice, with every scorecard studying 50-44.