Chicago, United Center – Khamzat Chimaev is the new undisputed UFC middleweight champion after delivering a dominant performance against defending titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. The highly anticipated clash between two undefeated fighters ended in one of the most one-sided title bouts the division has seen in recent years.

The Fight Breakdown

Du Plessis entered the octagon for his third title defense, while Chimaev came in as the No. 3-ranked contender with a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters on the roster. From the opening bell, Chimaev seized control and never let go.

• All three judges scored the fight 50-44 in favor of Chimaev.

• He executed 12 takedowns from 17 attempts, keeping Du Plessis grounded for most of the contest.

• Official data confirmed that Chimaev held 84% control time across the five rounds.

Chimaev’s relentless wrestling made it nearly impossible for Du Plessis to mount any sustained offense. The only moment of concern came in the final round, when the South African briefly locked in a guillotine choke. Chimaev calmly escaped, re-established control, and coasted to victory.

Main Points of the Fight

• Chimaev defeats Du Plessis by unanimous decision.

• Judges’ scorecards: 50-44, 50-44, 50-44.

• Chimaev extends his unbeaten UFC record to 15-0.

• Du Plessis suffers his first UFC loss, now 23-3 overall.

• Chimaev landed consistent takedowns and maintained near-total control.

Fighter Reactions

After the fight, Chimaev expressed his respect for the former champion:

“I never really plan; I just work like I do in the gym. Du Plessis is strong, and I respect him. He is the only champion who said my name, and he has a big heart.”

Du Plessis admitted Chimaev’s dominance but promised to return:

“It wasn’t about strength, it was his control. I nearly had it with the guillotine, but he was the better man tonight. He deserves it, but I’ll come back for my belt.”

A Career-Defining Win

Since entering the UFC in 2020, Chimaev has beaten some of the biggest names in the sport, including Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. With this victory, he not only claims the middleweight crown but also cements his reputation as one of the most feared fighters in mixed martial arts.

At 31, Chimaev now stands as the undefeated king of the middleweight division, holding an impressive streak and showing no signs of slowing down.