The UFC world witnessed history on Saturday night as Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt with a spectacular unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Fighting in front of a sold-out crowd in Chicago, Khamzat Chimaev extended his undefeated record to 15-0, cementing his status as one of the most dominant forces in mixed martial arts today.
This was not just another win—it was the culmination of years of anticipation, hard work, and sheer dominance. Ever since joining the UFC in 2020, fans and analysts alike predicted that Chimaev would eventually become a champion. At UFC 319, that prophecy became a reality as Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt in front of thousands at the United Center.
A Fast Start: Chimaev Wastes No Time
The fight began with Chimaev wasting no time in asserting his dominance. Within seconds of the opening bell, he took Du Plessis down to the mat. Chimaev controlled the first round almost entirely from top position, displaying his elite wrestling and grappling skills.
While Du Plessis managed to avoid heavy damage early on, the message was clear: this was going to be Chimaev’s fight to lose. For an athlete known for explosive starts, this performance showed just why fans were so eager to see Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt.
Grappling Masterclass
The second and third rounds showcased Chimaev’s grappling at its peak. Every time Du Plessis tried to stand up, Chimaev dragged him back to the canvas. By the third round, the punishment began piling up as Chimaev delivered strikes from dominant positions.
UFC president Dana White later described the situation perfectly: “Nobody wants to be in a crucifix getting punched in the head like that. It’s got to be the most frustrating, suck-the-heart-and-soul-out-of-you moment.”
Fans in attendance knew they were watching something special. As Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt, he did so by sticking to the blueprint that made him feared—relentless takedowns, smothering top control, and calculated ground-and-pound.
A Champion’s Heart on Both Sides
Even though Chimaev controlled most of the fight, Du Plessis deserves credit for his resilience. The former champion absorbed the pressure, defended as best he could, and even had a late surge in the fifth round with a takedown and guillotine attempt.
After the fight, Chimaev was quick to show respect: “That guy is tough to finish. Respect that guy. He was the only champion to say ‘I’m in.’ This guy has a big heart.”
Du Plessis, in turn, accepted defeat gracefully, admitting: “He beat me fair and square tonight; he was the better man. I’ll be back.” This sportsmanship elevated the night’s significance, making Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt not just about dominance, but also about mutual respect between two warriors.
Judges’ Scorecards Tell the Story
The judges were unanimous in their assessment of the fight, all scoring it 50-44 in Chimaev’s favor. This lopsided result highlighted the control Chimaev maintained for nearly the entire 25 minutes.
The decision was never in doubt, and as the announcement echoed through the arena, fans roared with approval, recognizing the magnitude of the moment: Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt at last.
Chicago Makes UFC History
The event marked UFC’s return to Chicago after six years, and the city delivered with record-breaking numbers. UFC 319 became the highest-grossing event ever at the United Center, proving that fans were eager to witness history live.
The card itself was stacked, with multiple memorable finishes, but none more important than the night’s main event. In many ways, Chicago will forever be remembered as the place where Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt for the very first time.
Highlights from the Main Card
While Chimaev’s victory stole the spotlight, UFC 319 delivered fireworks across the board:
- Lerone Murphy’s Stunning Debut: Murphy (17-0-1) shocked the crowd with a spinning elbow finish against Aaron Pico, handing Pico a loss in his UFC debut. Murphy is now in line for a potential title shot against Alex Volkanovski.
- Carlos Prates Makes History: Prates delivered the ninth spinning elbow knockout in UFC history, stopping Geoff Neal in the first round. Dana White immediately promised him a fight in Brazil this October.
- Michael Page Impresses Again: Page defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision, dropping him twice with precise strikes in a dominant performance.
- Timothy Elliott’s Upset Submission: Elliott overcame early struggles to submit Kai Askura with a guillotine choke in the second round, proving once again why he’s one of the toughest flyweights in the game.
Yet, despite all these highlights, the night will always be remembered as the one where Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt.
What’s Next for Chimaev?
Now that Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt, the big question is: who’s next? The UFC middleweight division is stacked with talent, including names like Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Jared Cannonier.
Chimaev’s undefeated streak and dominant fighting style put him in a unique position. Fans are already calling for a super fight against Adesanya, while others want to see him defend against top contenders to cement his reign.
Regardless of the opponent, one thing is certain: the middleweight division has a new king, and Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt is only the beginning of what could be a legendary championship run.
Legacy in the Making
Every great fighter has a defining moment. For Khamzat Chimaev, UFC 319 was that night. From his debut in 2020 to his rise through the ranks, his journey has been nothing short of extraordinary.
The way Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt—through relentless pressure, flawless grappling, and undeniable control—proved he belongs among the UFC’s elite champions. With a perfect 15-0 record, he’s already etching his name into the history books.
Conclusion: A New Era Begins
UFC 319 will forever be remembered as the night Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt and ushers in a new era for the middleweight division. His dominant victory over Dricus Du Plessis not only crowned him as champion but also confirmed what fans around the world already knew—Chimaev is one of the most unstoppable forces in MMA today.
With endless possibilities ahead, including potential super fights and historic title defenses, the reign of Khamzat Chimaev is just beginning. The message is clear to the rest of the division: Chimaev Secures UFC Middleweight Belt, and he isn’t letting go anytime soon.