Overview

• Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 with a unanimous decision, recording three 50-44 scorecards to secure the middleweight title.
• Official UFC metrics show Chimaev landed 529 strikes, completed 12 takedowns and held top control for roughly 21 minutes across five rounds.
• Israel Adesanya, Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan praised Chimaev’s cardio and technical dominance, noting he dispelled concerns about his gas tank by maintaining relentless pressure.
• Morne Visser and segments of the fan base criticized the wrestling-heavy strategy as dull and questioned why the referee did not stand the fighters up.
• Nassourdine Imavov has publicly staked his claim as the next challenger and Chimaev signaled he aims to make his first defense as early as October.