Khamzat Chimaev claimed the middleweight title at UFC 319 in Chicago with a dominant performance, earning three 50-44 scorecards against Dricus Du Plessis on Saturday (16 August). The Russian remained undefeated, confirming his status as a potential champion since his 2020 debut despite previous illness and travel setbacks.
Chimaev took down Du Plessis at will throughout the five-round bout, holding the South African on the canvas for extended periods using the crucifix position. During the fight, Chimaev revealed he spoke to Du Plessis and even his coach. 'I was working on him. I had some cool time, just spoke with him, spoke with his coach in the middle of the fight,' he said in the post-fight press conference.
The crucifix position, which Chimaev used multiple times to keep Du Plessis trapped and strike at will, is a favourite in his training. 'That's just having fun with my friends,' he said. 'I take them in this position, holding them for 25 minutes, one hour sometimes. Make them humble.' Chimaev boasted that nobody can take him down or hold him down.
The performance also answered questions about Chimaev's cardio, a potential vulnerability linked to long Covid. 'I don't care what people think. I'm doing my thing. How many strikes did I land on him? How many takedowns I had there? I didn't gas out. Now they know,' he said.
Meanwhile, Caio Borralho, who served as back-up for the main event, will face Nassourdine Imavov in September in a potential No 1 contender's fight. Anthony Fernandez also dominated Roman Dolidze this month. However, Chimaev remained unfazed about his next opponent: 'I don't care about these things. Whoever they give the [most] money [for me to fight]. I'll fight anyone.'
