Chimaev defeats Du Plessis by unanimous decision to win the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 319 on Saturday night, sweeping all three cards 50-44.
The Chechen-born fighter stayed unbeaten at 15-0.
In addition, after five dominant rounds in Chicago, where a supportive crowd turned to jeers as the bout wore on.
Chimaev defeats Du Plessis in a record-setting decision at UFC 319
The new champion broke UFC’s single fight striking mark with 529 landed blows and posted a plus-484 differential.
He also converted 12 of 17 takedowns and controlled the action for most of the 25 minutes.
Repeatedly grounding the South African and smothering his offense.
Dricus Du Plessis was floored inside the first 10 seconds and spent long stretches pinned against the fence or canvas.
Chimaev said he came with no elaborate plan, only to “work like I do in the gym,” and praised Du Plessis for toughness after failing to find a finish.
Du Plessis, 31, accepted the result: “All credit to Khamzat. He beat me fair and square.”
His best chance came late, when he scrambled on top and locked a guillotine, but Chimaev slipped free and re-established control before the horn.
The win caps a rapid rise since 2020, during which Chimaev has beaten former champions and top contenders to force his way into a crowded title picture.
For Pakistani MMA fans who have built a sizable following for the sport.
This was a classic display of pressure wrestling married to high volume striking.
Broadcasters and sponsors will be pleased, too: a record-setting performance by a polarising star.
Lifts global interest, boosts highlight packages, and keeps future title fights in demand.
