Khamzat Shimaev is the new UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) and in absolutely brutal fashion. In the main event of the UFC 319, held this Saturday (16), in Chicago (USA), the Chechen ran over the then champion Dricus du Plessis with a performance so dominant it felt like a workout.
After five rounds of complete control, 'Borz' won by unanimous decision and broke two historical records of the division: the most significant strikes landed (510) and the total time of dominance on the ground (21m40s).
See too
Undefeated in MMA, now with 15 wins, the Chechen has officially represented the United Arab Emirates since 2023. Known for his aggressive style and suffocating wrestling, 'Borz' had already submitted names such as Robert whittaker and added multiple performance bonuses in the UFC.
Until then champion of the category, the 31-year-old South African had just had two successful belt defenses, against Sean Strickland e Israel adesanya, in addition to a long winning streak. Known for his unorthodox style and constant pressure, Du Plessis had no answers for Chimaev's overwhelming game and lost the title.
Absolute dominance! Khamzat Chimaev dethrones Du Plessis and becomes the new middleweight champion
Khamzat Shimaev wins Dricus du Plessis No. UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC News
The fight was marked by an intense atmosphere of rivalry from the very first staredown, when the two fighters came face-to-face and had to be restrained by security. But once inside the octagon, only one fighter emerged: Chimaev.
In the opening seconds, the Chechen landed a lightning takedown just five seconds into the fight, initiating one of the most brutal feuds ever seen in a title fight. Even after Du Plessis attempted a guillotine, Chimaev landed on top, moved to the 100kg position, and locked in a crucifix, raining down constant punches on the South African's head. In the final stretch of the round, he still managed to get his back and land a powerful elbow.
The tone was repeated in the second, third, and fourth rounds: a brief stand-up start, followed by a quick takedown and absolute control on the ground. Du Plessis tried to defend himself, managed to resist a few submissions, but had no room to react. The former champion was struck in every possible way: from above, from the side, with a crucifix, from the back, and even from the mount.
In the fifth and final round, Du Plessis was tasked with performing a miracle. But it only took seconds for Chimaev to knock him down again—this time with such force that the South African hit his head on impact. Even so, he resisted until the end. In the final minute, he tried to retaliate, taking his opponent's back and threatening a rear-naked choke, but Chimaev defended and held on until the bell.
The performance was so dominant that it surpassed important marks: Chimaev surpassed Max Holloway in the number of significant strikes in the division, and established the longest ground control time ever recorded in the middleweight division.
UFC 319 results
MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Khamzat Shimaev derrotou Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision of the judges (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) – fight for the belt
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerone murphy defeated Aaron Pico by knockout (spinning elbow) at 3:21 of the first round
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Carlos Prates derrotou Geoff neal by knockout (spinning elbow) at 4:59 of the first round
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Michael Page derrotou Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Tim Elliott derrotou Kai Asakura by submission (guillotine) at 4:39 of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baysangur Susurkaev defeated Eric Nolan by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:01 of R2
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Michal Oleksiejczuk derrotou Gerald meerschaert by technical knockout at 3m03sec of R1
Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Lupita Godinez derrotou Jessica Stacker by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Alexander Hernandez derrotou Chase Hooper by technical knockout at 4:58. from R1
Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Drakkar Klose derrotou Edson Barboza in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Karina Silva derrotou Dione Barbosa in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joseph Morales submits Alibi Idiris with a triangle choke at 3:04 of R2 – TUF 33 final
You need login To comment.