Chimaev’s Title Opportunity Reaches Chicago With Du Plessis Across the Cage
Khamzat Chimaev faced Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. Their main event at United Center in Chicago lasted five rounds and ended with Chimaev winning the title by unanimous decision.
The contenders reach the scheduled title fight
The completed matchup brought together an unbeaten challenger and a champion who had already defended against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. Chimaev’s route included a first-round submission of Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi the previous October.
In Chicago, Chimaev took the champion down within the opening moments and repeatedly maintained dominant positions. Du Plessis struggled to create the separation needed for his own striking, while the challenger kept returning the fight to the canvas.
Five rounds establish a new champion
All three judges scored the contest 50–44. Chimaev completed the scheduled championship distance and improved to fifteen wins without defeat, demonstrating that his grappling pressure could remain effective beyond the rapid finishes that had built much of his reputation.
The card also included Michael Page’s unanimous-decision victory over Jared Cannonier and Tim Elliott’s second-round submission of Kai Asakura. Those results added notable supporting performances, but the main event remained the defining development. Du Plessis and Chimaev actually met for the belt, and the challenger’s repeated takedowns and positional control produced the title change after twenty-five minutes rather than through a replacement opponent or a short-notice reshuffle.
Sources
- ufc.com: main card results highlights winner interviews ufc 319 du plessis vs chimaev chicago
- ufc.com: official judges scorecards ufc 319 du plessis vs chimaev chicago
- ufc.com: main card results highlights winner interviews ufc 308 topuria vs Holloway
Article Tags
Khamzat Chimaev, Dricus du Plessis, UFC, MMA
