Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev showcased his dominance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, held on August 17, 2025, in Chicago. The main event was a decisive victory for Chimaev, who secured the middleweight title with a performance that left no room for doubt. This fight marked Chimaev’s rise to championship status, solidifying his reputation in mixed martial arts (MMA) after five years of competing at the highest levels.

Chimaev’s striking statistics were extraordinary, as he outstruck du Plessis by a staggering margin of 529 to 45 throughout the five-round contest. The South African fighter, who entered the octagon with confidence, found himself unable to mount any significant offensive effort against Chimaev’s relentless attack.

Chimaev’s Control and Record-Breaking Performance

The fight was characterized by Chimaev’s grappling-heavy approach, which saw him achieve an impressive 21 minutes and 40 seconds of control time. This statistic not only highlights his tactical prowess but also places him among the top performers in UFC history, as he recorded the second most control time in a single fight.

Chimaev’s ability to land 529 strikes not only earned him the victory but also set a new record for the most strikes landed in a single fight, surpassing previous benchmarks. In contrast, du Plessis managed a mere 45 strikes, underscoring the one-sided nature of the bout. Some observers have suggested that such a level of dominance might be unprecedented for a UFC title challenger.

Future Plans and Title Defense

The fight concluded with a clear decision from the judges, affirming Chimaev’s victory. Following the event, UFC President Dana White addressed concerns regarding Chimaev’s previous inactivity in the sport. Chimaev himself dismissed these worries, expressing his eagerness to defend his title without delay.

During a press conference at the United Center, Chimaev stated his intention to return to the octagon within two months at UFC 321, scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi. White responded positively to Chimaev’s request, indicating that he would consider the possibility of such a quick turnaround.

Chimaev’s victory at UFC 319 has set the stage for an exciting future in the middleweight division, with fans eager to see how he will handle the responsibilities of being champion. His performance not only earned him the title but also sparked discussions about his capacity to maintain a regular fight schedule as he takes on new challengers in the coming months.