Khamzat Chimaev UFC Victory: New Middleweight Champion Shocks Fans
The long-awaited Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory finally arrived at UFC 319, and it came in the most dominant fashion imaginable. On Saturday night, Chimaev defeated South African champion Dricus du Plessis to claim the UFC middleweight title.
Chimaev, who has been touted as a future champion since his UFC debut in 2020, proved his doubters wrong with a stunning performance. By the end of the fight, the judges had no doubts, scoring it unanimously in his favor.
This win wasn’t just another fight, it was a career-defining moment that established Chimaev as one of the most dangerous men in the UFC today.
How Khamzat Chimaev Dominated Du Plessis
From the opening minute, the Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory felt inevitable. He wasted no time taking du Plessis to the ground, setting the tone for what would be a one-sided contest.
Chimaev landed a staggering 529 strikes, breaking UFC records in the process. His opponent had no answer for the relentless grappling and pressure. Each round followed the same script: du Plessis on the mat, fighting just to survive.
By the third round, Chimaev unleashed his best work, connecting with 156 strikes in a single round, more than triple what du Plessis managed across the entire fight.
Despite not securing a finish, Chimaev dominated the scorecards, earning a 50–44 decision victory across all three judges.
Respect Between Rivals
Even after his decisive win, Chimaev showed respect for du Plessis. “That guy is strong, I couldn’t finish him. Respect that guy. He’s the only champion who was saying my name. This guy has real heart, a real African lion,” Chimaev told reporters.
This sportsmanship added another layer of intrigue to the Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory, showing fans that despite his aggression in the cage, he remains humble outside of it.
Career Milestone: 15-0 Record
The win extended Chimaev’s undefeated record to 15-0, cementing his reputation as one of the UFC’s most dangerous fighters. However, the journey to this moment was far from easy.
Between injuries, illness, and visa issues, Chimaev only fought twice between 2023 and 2024. Many questioned whether he could live up to the hype that had followed him since 2020.
With this UFC middleweight title victory, all doubts have been silenced.
The Struggles Behind the Success
The road to the Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory was filled with setbacks. Due to visa restrictions, the Chechen-born fighter was unable to compete in the U.S. for nearly three years.
That changed earlier this month when Chimaev publicly thanked former U.S. President Donald Trump for helping secure his visa. Without that intervention, his historic UFC 319 appearance might not have been possible.
Controversial Ties to Ramzan Kadyrov
Despite the triumph, the Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory also reignites discussions around his connections to Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov, a controversial political figure.
Chimaev has been photographed with Kadyrov on multiple occasions, and the leader even attended the fighter’s wedding in 2022. Critics argue these associations cast a shadow over Chimaev’s otherwise remarkable career.
A Fight for Legacy
For years, UFC fans debated whether Chimaev would ever reach his potential. With this win, he not only becomes middleweight champion but also sets the stage for bigger challenges.
Could he dominate his division the way Khabib Nurmagomedov once did at lightweight? Or will injuries and outside controversies limit his reign?
Either way, the Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory marks the start of a new chapter in his already thrilling career.
Conclusion: The Beginning of a New Era
The Khamzat Chimaev UFC victory over Dricus du Plessis wasn’t just a fight, it was a statement. From his unmatched striking numbers to his relentless grappling, Chimaev proved that he is ready to carry the middleweight division into a new era.
Though controversy follows him outside the Octagon, his talent inside it cannot be denied. With a 15-0 record and a UFC belt now around his waist, Khamzat Chimaev has cemented himself as one of the sport’s most electrifying fighters.
