Chimaev Defeats du Plessis to Win UFC 319 Middleweight Title

Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision in the UFC 319 main event on August 16, 2025, at United Center in Chicago. All three judges scored the five-round title fight 50–44 for Chimaev, who became the new middleweight champion.

Chimaev controls the title fight

Chimaev used takedowns and top control to limit du Plessis’ offense through most of the bout. The champion stayed in the fight to the final bell, but could not reverse the challenger’s sustained wrestling pressure.

A new middleweight champion

The result ended du Plessis’ title reign and gave Chimaev his first UFC championship.

The win came after Chimaev had stopped Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, earning the title opportunity. Du Plessis had defended against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 before meeting Chimaev. The contrast between the champion’s pace and the challenger’s wrestling shaped the fight, with Chimaev controlling position rather than trading at range. Before this bout, du Plessis had taken the title from Strickland and defended it against Israel Adesanya, then beat Strickland again in their February 2025 rematch. The judges’ wide cards reflected Chimaev’s control across most of the five rounds.

Related reporting and sources: UFC · Sean Strickland · Khamzat Chimaev · UFC · MMA