Khamzat Chimaev kept his perfect record in tact last night (Sat., Aug. 16, 2025) at UFC 319 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside United Center in Chicago, Illinois, as the Chechen sensation completely dominated UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis to walk out of Chi-Town with 185-pound gold. Chimaev scored a takedown in the […]
Khamzat Chimaev kept his perfect record in tact last night (Sat., Aug. 16, 2025) at UFC 319 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside United Center in Chicago, Illinois, as the Chechen sensation completely dominated UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis to walk out of Chi-Town with 185-pound gold.
Chimaev scored a takedown in the opening 10 seconds of the fight and DDP’s best attempt at a transition was denied. “Borz” worked his magic from there and trapped the champion in a dangerous crucifix. The challenger landed about 50 short punches, but nothing that put du Plessis in serious trouble. It was still a dominant five minutes for Chimaev. “Borz” went back to the well in the second round and suffocated DDP with wrestling, takedowns, and back pressure. It was hard for “Stillknocks” to get off much of anything, which was frustrating for him and the Chicago fans.
Du Plessis was back on the defensive in the opening moments of the third round. Chimaev scored another slamming takedown and peppered DDP with punches from side control. Once again, “Borz” locked up a crucifix and had the champion trapped. A cut was opened up on du Plessis’ left eye as Chimaev began to land hard punches and elbows. Du Plessis finally got free, but Chimaev nearly grabbed a hold of a rear-naked choke.
The fourth round saw du Plessis get off to another rough start. He finally defended a takedown, but was immediately tracked down by “Borz” along the cage. Chimaev hung on DDP once more for additional top time. No matter how hard DDP fought to break free Chimaev was always one step ahead. Du Plessis came out guns blazing to begin the fifth and final frame only to get taken down again. Chimaev caught the champion in another crucifix and did more damage on the ground. Du Plessis somehow dug deep to get his own back control in the final seconds of the fight, but there wasn’t enough time left to mount a comeback.
In the end, it was Chimaev who proved he has five-round ability as he earned the unanimous decision win to become UFC’s newest middleweight champion.
Check out the main event highlights below:
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Category: General Sports
