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Khamzat Chimaev has officially claimed his spot as the undisputed UFC middleweight champion after an impressive victory over Dricus Du Plessis at the United Center in Chicago. This highly anticipated matchup, billed as a battle of unbeaten fighters, quickly turned into a showcase of Chimaev’s dominance.
He controlled the fight from the opening bell to the final decision, with all judges scoring it a lopsided 50-44 in his favor.
Chimaev’s Journey to the Championship
Stepping into the Octagon as the No. 3 ranked contender, Chimaev had already established himself as one of the most formidable fighters in the UFC.
Since his debut in 2020, he has built an impressive resume, notching victories against former champions like Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. The showdown with Du Plessis was his third attempt at clinching the middleweight title, and he certainly rose to the occasion.
What really stood out during the fight were Chimaev’s grappling skills. He completed 12 out of 17 takedowns, showcasing his ability to control the pace and flow of the match. In fact, he spent a staggering 84% of the fight dominating Du Plessis on the ground, effectively neutralizing the champion’s offense.
This level of control illustrates Chimaev’s strategic mindset, which focuses on positioning and relentless pressure—keeping his opponents off-balance and unable to find their rhythm.
A One-Sided Affair
From the moment the fight began, it was clear that Chimaev was in the driver’s seat.
His relentless takedown tactics and grappling prowess left Du Plessis struggling to keep up. Although Du Plessis is known for his toughness, he spent most of the fight on the defensive. He did manage a brief offensive attempt in the final round, trying for a guillotine choke, but Chimaev’s resilience was on full display as he escaped and quickly regained control.
After the fight, Chimaev spoke highly of Du Plessis, recognizing the champion’s strength and heart. “I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym,” he remarked, emphasizing his instinctual approach to fighting. His ability to adapt during the match and maintain control was crucial in securing his championship title.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Chimaev has now extended his unbeaten streak in the UFC to an impressive 15 wins, solidifying his position as a top contender in the middleweight division. On the flip side, Du Plessis faces the challenge of bouncing back after his first loss in the UFC, now holding a record of 23-3 in his mixed martial arts career. He’s made it clear that he intends to reclaim his title, promising fans a fierce comeback.
This fight not only marks a pivotal moment in Chimaev’s career but also reshapes the landscape of the middleweight division, as he prepares to defend his title against new challengers. As both fighters reflect on this bout, the potential for exciting future matchups adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing saga of the UFC middleweight championship. Who do you think will step up next to challenge Chimaev? The anticipation is already building!
