Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision at UFC 319 on Saturday night.
The 31-year-old Russian dominated throughout, earning 50-44 scores on all three judges’ cards to extend his unbeaten record to 15-0. Despite the sold-out United Center crowd turning against him, Chimaev overwhelmed Du Plessis with relentless strikes and takedowns.
Chimaev broke Max Holloway’s UFC record by landing 529 strikes, with a staggering plus-484 striking differential. He also secured 12 of 17 takedowns and maintained control for 84% of the 25-minute bout.
Du Plessis (23-3), who was dropped within the first 10 seconds, struggled to mount offense but nearly caught Chimaev in a guillotine choke in the final round. Chimaev, however, escaped and finished the fight in control.
Both fighters praised each other post-fight, with Du Plessis admitting Chimaev was “the better man tonight,” while Chimaev credited his opponent’s toughness.
On the undercard, Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates scored spectacular spinning back elbow knockouts, Michael Page defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision, and Tim Elliott secured a guillotine choke submission over Kai Asakura.
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