Overview
- Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319 with three 50-44 scorecards
- He overwhelmed Du Plessis with a record-approaching 529 strikes, 12 takedowns and 21 minutes of ground control
- Chimaev attributed his five-round endurance to enhanced cardio training under Sam Calavitta and collaboration with Olympic wrestler Abdulrashid Sadulaev
- The grappling-heavy display drew acclaim from Israel Adesanya and Daniel Cormier for technical mastery but criticism from fans and Du Plessis’s coach for lacking finish-seeking aggression
- Dana White indicated openness to a quick title defense as Caio Borralho and Nassourdine Imavov prepare to fight for a likely contender spot at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi