Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Dricus du Plessis for UFC Title

Khamzat Chimaev showcased his dominance in the UFC middleweight division by defeating Dricus du Plessis in a one-sided bout on September 30, 2023, in Chicago. The fight culminated in a unanimous decision victory, underlining the significant challenges that any future contender will face against Chimaev.

The Chechen-born fighter, who began his mixed martial arts training in Sweden before moving to Abu Dhabi, executed a strategy that rendered Du Plessis virtually defenseless for much of the match. Chimaev, 31, opened the fight with a quick double-leg takedown, establishing control from the onset. The South African champion entered the fight as the underdog, and it quickly became evident why, as Chimaev overwhelmed him with relentless pressure.

Chimaev registered an astonishing total of 567 strikes throughout the five five-minute rounds, landing 529 of them. In stark contrast, Du Plessis could only manage 68 strikes, with just 45 reaching their target. This disparity in striking demonstrated Chimaev’s superior wrestling ability and striking precision.

Once on the ground, Chimaev moved to a crucifix position, immobilizing Du Plessis and delivering a barrage of short left punches. The South African fighter, also 31, showed remarkable resilience, refusing to quit despite the overwhelming odds. By the end of the third round, Du Plessis was significantly behind on the scorecards and needed a finish to turn the fight in his favor.

In the final moments of the match, Du Plessis attempted to mount an offensive but was ultimately unable to shift the momentum. Despite the one-sided nature of the contest, the determination displayed by Du Plessis kept the audience at the United Center engaged, as they witnessed Chimaev’s calculated assault.

Cage-side, several middleweight contenders observed the fight, likely assessing their own chances against the newly crowned champion. Many may have found solace in the fact that Chimaev did not achieve a knockout or submission victory, leaving a glimmer of hope for future challengers. Yet, the performance he delivered sends a clear message: Khamzat Chimaev is a formidable force in the octagon.

With this victory, Chimaev solidifies his position at the top of the middleweight rankings, while Du Plessis will need to regroup and reflect on this defeat. As the UFC landscape evolves, the implications of this fight will resonate throughout the division, as challengers prepare for the daunting task of dethroning a champion who has shown both skill and dominance.