Overview

• At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision, piling up 12 takedowns, about 21:40 of control time and a UFC-record 529 total strikes.
• The official rankings update moved Chimaev up ten places to No. 4 on the pound-for-pound list as du Plessis fell to No. 11.
• Reinier de Ridder and Chimaev traded taunts on X, elevating de Ridder as a leading stylistic foil as Dana White has suggested a possible October defense in Abu Dhabi without confirmation.
• Cornerman Arman Tsarukyan said he urged a risk-averse, wrestling-first plan that drew mixed fan reactions as analysts, including Matt Brown and Daniel Cormier, weighed dominance against entertainment and assessed du Plessis’ preparation.
• Former champions split on the toughest matchup for the new king, with Michael Bisping highlighting de Ridder’s jiu-jitsu threat and Kamaru Usman naming Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez.