Khamzat Chimaev Defeats Dricus Du Plessis for UFC Middleweight Title in Chicago

Khamzat Chimaev claimed the UFC middleweight title by decisively defeating Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision at UFC 319, showcasing superior grappling and relentless wrestling over five rounds. Du Plessis, the defending champion, was dominated throughout the fight and was unable to implement his preferred striking style, ultimately losing his unbeaten streak and title. Following the bout, Du Plessis' coach Morne Visser criticized aspects of Chimaev's tactics as boring but acknowledged the need to overhaul their wrestling approach before considering any rematch. Visser ruled out an immediate rematch, emphasizing that Du Plessis needs to improve his ground game and that they will focus on training rather than pursuing other fights. Despite the loss, Du Plessis expressed determination to come back stronger and reclaim his title, highlighting the resilience of South African fighters. Chimaev’s performance earned him the Performance of the Night bonus, reinforcing his status as a dominant champion.