Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision to capture the UFC Middleweight Championship in the main event of UFC 319. The historic bout took place on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Fight Breakdown
- Round 1: Chimaev secured a takedown in the opening 10 seconds. He immediately trapped Du Plessis in a mounted crucifix, landing unanswered short punches and dominating the entire round.
- Rounds 2 & 3: “Borz” relentless level changes and grappling pressure continued. He dragged Du Plessis to the mat early in both frames, taking his back and hunting for rear-naked chokes while shutting down all offensive options.
- Round 4: Chimaev repeated his strategy with an immediate takedown. He advanced to crucifix control again, leaving a visibly spent Du Plessis fighting purely for survival.
- Round 5: Chimaev logged another quick takedown, transitioning between crucifix control and an Americana attempt. After a late referee stand-up with 90 seconds left, Du Plessis made a final “Hail Mary” push. He landed a right hand, stuffed a takedown, and briefly pursued a guillotine and rear-naked choke, but time ran out.
Historic Fight Statistics
| Metric | Khamzat Chimaev | Dricus Du Plessis |
|---|---|---|
| Total Strikes Landed | 529 | 45 |
| Significant Strikes | 37 / 47 | 13 / 29 |
| Takedowns Landed | 12 / 17 | 1 / 1 |
| Ground Control Time | 21:40 | 0:53 |
Chimaev’s 21 minutes and 40 seconds of ground control set a new UFC Middleweight record, resulting in one of the most statistically lopsided title fights in UFC history. Following his victory, Chimaev maintained his undefeated professional record of 15–0 and earned his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt inside the Octagon.