Chimaev’s Five-Round Wrestling Siege Took the Middleweight
Khamzat Chimaev captured the UFC middleweight championship from Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. The main event at United Center in Chicago ended by unanimous decision, with every judge returning a 50–44 score after five rounds of sustained grappling control.
Takedowns established the contest’s defining pattern
Chimaev completed takedowns in every round and repeatedly settled into controlling positions. Du Plessis spent much of the fight defending underneath rather than finding opportunities to establish his own striking or wrestling.
The challenger mixed punches and elbows with the positional work, including stretches in a mounted crucifix. His ability to reconnect with the takedown whenever necessary prevented the champion from building sustained momentum.
A late reversal supplied only a brief opening
Du Plessis finally countered a takedown into top position during the closing stages of the fifth round. He also briefly pursued a rear-naked choke, creating one of his few clear opportunities to threaten a reversal of the result.
Chimaev escaped the danger and reached the final horn. The late sequence did not alter the overall direction of a fight controlled through repeated takedowns and prolonged work from top position.
The title victory preserved an unbeaten record
Chimaev improved to fifteen professional victories without defeat, including nine UFC wins. Du Plessis suffered his first promotional loss after entering with nine UFC victories.
The unanimous scorecards reflected the consistency of Chimaev’s control across the championship distance. Against a reigning titleholder, he produced a complete five-round performance and secured the middleweight belt through an approach that remained effective from the opening round to the closing exchanges.
