The main event of UFC 319 between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis was far from just another fight; it was a true test of balance within the middleweight division. What many expected to be a grueling five-round war quickly turned into a showcase of absolute dominance by the Chechen fighter nicknamed “Borz,” who controlled every moment from start to finish.
Relentless Domination
Chimaev delivered what could be described as a masterclass in strategic control: constant pressure, repeated takedowns, and a complete suffocation of his opponent’s options. Round after round, the same pattern unfolded—one fighter attacking without respite, the other struggling just to survive. The unanimous decision (5-0) in favor of “Borz” looked less like a scorecard and more like a proclamation: the emergence of a new force in the division.
🏆 The moment we’ve all been waiting for!
Khamzat Chimaev crowned World Champion at UFC319 ❤️🔥💪#UFC319 #MMA🏆 للحظة المنتظرة!
حمزة تشمايف يُتوّج بطل العالم في UFC319 ❤️🔥💪#UFC319 #MMA pic.twitter.com/mB5RWBQ5Fq— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) August 17, 2025
Reading the Bigger Picture
This fight raises important questions:
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Is Chimaev redefining the standards of middleweight competition, proving that victory can come not only from knockouts but also from suffocating, systematic control?
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To what extent will this style shift impact the rest of the division, particularly those used to more traditional striking-based approaches?
Du Plessis, who entered the bout with an impressive UFC record (9-1), faced a harsh reality: there is a qualitative difference between being a good fighter and facing an opponent who imposes an entire fighting philosophy. This loss may become a turning point in his career—either spurring him to rebuild his arsenal or risking his place among the division’s elite.
Beyond the Cage
The significance of Chimaev’s victory goes beyond the octagon. Representing the United Arab Emirates on the global stage, he reinforces the image of a fighter who is more than a passing phenomenon—he is a long-term project with the potential to reshape the division entirely. His rise also signals the growing influence of the Arab and Muslim world in a sport historically dominated by Western and Latin traditions.
Khamzat Chimaev speaks about the attempted execution:
🗣️ "I hope I die before anyone gets to kill me." 😳🔥
حمزة تشمايف يتحدث عن محاولة إعدامه:
🗣️ "أتمنى أن أموت قبل أن يقتلني أحد." 😳🔥 #UFC pic.twitter.com/1O64fmCVvR— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) August 17, 2025
Looking Ahead: Who’s Next?
The key question now is: who dares to step into the cage with Chimaev next? And can any current middleweight find a way to break through his ironclad style—or are we indeed at the dawn of a new era?
The answer will unfold in future battles, but one thing was clear in Chicago: Chimaev did not come to merely compete—he came to rewrite the rules of the game.
