UFC 319 Results: Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Dricus Du Plessis to Claim Middleweight Title
In a performance that will be remembered as one of the most dominant in UFC middleweight history, Khamzat Chimaev dismantled Dricus Du Plessis over five rounds at UFC 319 to claim the UFC middleweight championship. The bout, which took place at the United Center in Chicago on August 16, 2025, was a tactical masterclass from Chimaev, who used his relentless wrestling, suffocating top control, and precise ground-and-pound to neutralize Du Plessis at every turn. The judges scored the fight 50-44, 50-44, and 50-44 in favor of Chimaev, marking the first time Du Plessis had been defeated in his UFC career. Chimaev’s victory not only solidified his status as the new king of the middleweight division but also sent a clear message to the rest of the UFC: his blend of wrestling, cardio, and fight IQ makes him nearly unstoppable.
The fight was a stark contrast in styles, with Du Plessis—known for his explosive striking and knockout power—unable to find his rhythm against Chimaev’s relentless grappling. Chimaev, who entered the fight as the No. 2-ranked middleweight, wasted no time in imposing his will. Within the first seven seconds of the fight, he secured a takedown, setting the tone for what would become a 25-minute clinic in top control. Over the course of the fight, Chimaev landed 12 of 17 takedown attempts and accumulated a staggering 21 minutes and 40 seconds of control time, a statistic that underscores just how thoroughly he dominated the bout. Du Plessis, who had spent a total of just 4 minutes and 56 seconds on his back in his entire UFC career prior to this fight, found himself trapped underneath Chimaev for nearly the entire duration, unable to mount any meaningful offense.
Chimaev’s performance was not just a display of physical dominance but also a testament to his strategic brilliance. He methodically broke Du Plessis down round by round, mixing in ground-and-pound with occasional submission threats to keep his opponent guessing. The only moment of real danger for Chimaev came in the fifth round, when Du Plessis attempted a guillotine choke from his back. However, Chimaev remained calm, defended the submission, and quickly returned to his dominant position. The fight’s conclusion was a foregone conclusion by the final bell, with Chimaev raising his hands in triumph as the new UFC middleweight champion. His post-fight interview was equally confident, as he called out other top contenders and declared his intention to defend his title against the best the division has to offer.
The implications of Chimaev’s victory are immense. With this win, he extends his undefeated record to 15-0 and cements his place as one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. His ability to nullify Du Plessis, a fighter who had looked nearly untouchable in his previous outings, has sent shockwaves through the middleweight division. Analysts and fans alike are now speculating about potential matchups for Chimaev, with names like Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and even a potential move up to light heavyweight to face the likes of Alex Pereira being floated. Meanwhile, Du Plessis, who had been on a meteoric rise, will need to regroup and reassess his approach after suffering the first loss of his UFC tenure. The fight’s outcome also raises questions about the future of the middleweight division, which now has a new, dominant champion in Chimaev.
The Fight Breakdown: Round by Round
The first round of the UFC 319 main event set the stage for Chimaev’s dominance. From the opening bell, Chimaev pressed forward, immediately closing the distance and securing a takedown within the first seven seconds. Once on the ground, he quickly established top control, using his superior grappling to smother Du Plessis and prevent any attempt at a sweep or submission. Chimaev’s ground-and-pound was precise and methodical, targeting Du Plessis’ ribs and head with short, powerful strikes. Du Plessis, who had never been taken down so easily in his UFC career, struggled to find an answer, spending 4 minutes and 46 seconds of the round on his back—a staggering figure given his previous record of just 4 minutes and 56 seconds of bottom time in his entire UFC tenure.
Rounds two and three followed a similar pattern, with Chimaev continuing to dictate the pace and location of the fight. He secured multiple takedowns in each round, using his wrestling to drag Du Plessis to the mat and maintain top position. Du Plessis occasionally threatened with submission attempts from his back, but Chimaev’s defense was impenetrable. His ability to transition between ground-and-pound and submission threats kept Du Plessis off-balance and prevented any momentum from building. By the end of the third round, it was clear that Du Plessis was exhausted, both physically and mentally, as Chimaev’s relentless pressure took its toll. The judges’ scorecards reflected the one-sided nature of the fight, with all three scoring the first three rounds 10-9 in favor of Chimaev.
The championship rounds saw Chimaev maintain his dominance, though Du Plessis showed flashes of resilience. In the fourth round, Du Plessis attempted to rally, landing a few strikes from the bottom and threatening with a kimura attempt. However, Chimaev quickly shut down the submission and resumed his ground assault. The fifth round was the most competitive, as Du Plessis finally secured a guillotine choke attempt that briefly put Chimaev in danger. But the new champion remained composed, escaped the choke, and finished the fight in his now-familiar dominant position. The final scorecards of 50-44 across the board were a testament to Chimaev’s complete control, as he outlanded Du Plessis 529-45 in total strikes—a statistic that underscores the sheer scale of his dominance.
Chimaev’s performance at UFC 319 was a masterclass in mixed martial arts strategy. He executed his game plan to perfection, using his wrestling to nullify Du Plessis’ striking and his cardio to maintain a relentless pace. The fight also highlighted Chimaev’s evolution as a fighter, as he demonstrated improved striking defense and submission awareness. His ability to adapt mid-fight, such as when he defended Du Plessis’ guillotine attempt in the fifth round, showed a level of composure and fight IQ that bodes well for his future title defenses. Meanwhile, Du Plessis’ loss raises questions about his ability to handle elite-level grapplers, a challenge he will need to address if he hopes to reclaim his spot at the top of the division.
Key Moments and Statistics from UFC 319
The UFC 319 main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis was defined by several key moments and statistics that highlighted Chimaev’s dominance. Below are some of the most notable aspects of the fight:
- First Takedown in Seven Seconds: Chimaev wasted no time in asserting his dominance, securing his first takedown just seven seconds into the fight. This immediate control set the tone for the entire bout, as Chimaev repeatedly took Du Plessis down and kept him there. The speed and ease with which Chimaev executed his takedowns demonstrated his elite-level wrestling and ability to impose his will from the opening bell.
- 12 Takedowns Landed: Over the course of the fight, Chimaev landed 12 of 17 takedown attempts, a staggering statistic that underscores his grappling prowess. This figure ties for the third-most takedowns in a UFC title fight since 2015 and is the second-most in a middleweight bout. Chimaev’s ability to take Du Plessis down at will was a key factor in his victory, as it allowed him to dictate where the fight took place.
- 21 Minutes and 40 Seconds of Control Time: Chimaev spent 21 minutes and 40 seconds in top control, a remarkable feat in a 25-minute fight. This statistic highlights his ability to maintain dominant positions and smother Du Plessis’ offense. The sheer amount of time Du Plessis spent on his back is a testament to Chimaev’s wrestling and top-game, which are among the best in the UFC.
- 529-45 Strike Differential: Chimaev outlanded Du Plessis 529-45 in total strikes, one of the largest margins in UFC title fight history. This differential reflects Chimaev’s ability to land significant ground-and-pound while limiting Du Plessis’ opportunities to counter. The sheer volume of strikes landed by Chimaev further emphasizes the one-sided nature of the fight.
- Guillotine Choke Attempt in the Fifth Round: The only moment of real danger for Chimaev came in the fifth round, when Du Plessis locked in a guillotine choke from his back. However, Chimaev remained calm, defended the submission, and quickly returned to his dominant position. This moment was a rare bright spot for Du Plessis in an otherwise difficult night.
- Unanimous Decision Victory: All three judges scored the fight 50-44 in favor of Chimaev, a rare and decisive margin in a UFC title fight. This score reflects the complete control Chimaev exhibited throughout the bout, as he won every round on every judge’s scorecard. The unanimous decision underscores the clarity of Chimaev’s victory and his status as the new middleweight champion.
- First Loss for Du Plessis in the UFC: The defeat marked the first loss of Du Plessis’ UFC career, ending his undefeated streak in the promotion. Prior to this fight, Du Plessis had been one of the most dominant fighters in the middleweight division, with a string of impressive victories. His loss to Chimaev raises questions about his ability to handle elite-level grapplers and his future in the division.
- Chimaev’s Undefeated Record Extends to 15-0: With this victory, Chimaev extended his undefeated record to 15-0, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC. His ability to remain unbeaten while facing top-level competition is a testament to his skill, athleticism, and fight IQ. Chimaev’s record places him among the elite fighters in UFC history and sets the stage for future title defenses.
These key moments and statistics paint a clear picture of Chimaev’s dominance at UFC 319. His ability to control Du Plessis on the ground, land a massive volume of strikes, and defend against submission attempts showcased his well-rounded skill set and championship pedigree. Meanwhile, Du Plessis’ struggles against Chimaev’s grappling highlight the challenges he will need to overcome if he hopes to reclaim his status as a top contender in the middleweight division.
Post-Fight Reactions and Future Implications
The aftermath of UFC 319 has been dominated by reactions to Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant performance and what it means for the future of the middleweight division. Chimaev’s victory has been widely praised by analysts, fighters, and fans, who have hailed his wrestling, cardio, and fight IQ as elite-level attributes. Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, who was in attendance at the event, described Chimaev’s performance as “a masterclass” and noted that his ability to control Du Plessis for nearly the entire fight was a testament to his championship caliber. Adesanya’s comments reflect the broader consensus that Chimaev’s victory was one of the most impressive in recent UFC history and that he is now the fighter to beat in the middleweight division.
Chimaev’s post-fight interview was equally confident, as he called out other top contenders and expressed his desire to defend his title against the best the division has to offer. He specifically mentioned a potential rematch with Adesanya, whom he had previously faced in a close but controversial split decision loss. Chimaev’s willingness to take on all comers has further endeared him to fans, who appreciate his aggressive style and unshakable confidence. Meanwhile, Du Plessis’ loss has sparked discussions about his future in the division. Some analysts believe that he will need to refine his grappling and develop a more effective counter-wrestling game if he hopes to compete with the likes of Chimaev and Adesanya. Others have suggested that a move up to light heavyweight could be a viable option, given his size and power.
The implications of Chimaev’s victory extend beyond the middleweight division. His performance at UFC 319 has positioned him as one of the most exciting and dominant fighters in the UFC, regardless of weight class. Speculation about potential super fights, such as a bout with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira or a move up to challenge for the welterweight title, has already begun. Chimaev’s ability to draw attention and generate excitement makes him a valuable asset for the UFC, and his championship reign could usher in a new era for the middleweight division. Meanwhile, Du Plessis’ loss serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of MMA and the importance of adaptability. His ability to bounce back from this setback will be a key factor in determining his future in the sport.
The UFC 319 main event also highlighted the importance of wrestling in modern MMA. Chimaev’s ability to use his grappling to nullify Du Plessis’ striking was a masterclass in fight strategy and underscored the value of a well-rounded skill set. As the sport continues to evolve, fighters who can blend elite-level wrestling with striking and submission threats will likely find the most success. Chimaev’s performance at UFC 319 serves as a blueprint for how to dominate a fight using wrestling and top control, and it is a lesson that other fighters will undoubtedly study and attempt to emulate. Meanwhile, the UFC’s middleweight division is now wide open, with Chimaev at the top and a host of contenders vying for a shot at his title.
Comparing Chimaev’s Performance to Other UFC Middleweight Champions
Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant victory at UFC 319 places him among the most impressive middleweight champions in UFC history. The table below compares his performance to other notable UFC middleweight champions, highlighting the unique aspects of his fighting style and achievements:
| Champion | Key Strengths | Notable Achievements | Legacy and Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khamzat Chimaev | Chimaev’s fighting style is defined by his elite-level wrestling, relentless cardio, and suffocating top control. His ability to take opponents down at will and maintain dominant positions makes him a nightmare for strikers. Chimaev also possesses a high fight IQ, allowing him to adapt mid-fight and defend against submission attempts. His striking has improved significantly, making him a well-rounded threat in all areas of MMA. | Chimaev’s victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 marked his coronation as the UFC middleweight champion. He extended his undefeated record to 15-0 and became the first fighter to dominate Du Plessis in such a decisive manner. Chimaev’s performance included 12 takedowns and over 21 minutes of control time, statistics that underscore his grappling dominance. His win also marked the first loss of Du Plessis’ UFC career. | Chimaev’s legacy is still being written, but his |
