In one of the most intriguing title fights of 2025, Dricus Du Plessis put his undisputed middleweight championship on the line against undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago.
Following a pair of impressive defenses against Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, ‘DDP’ faces his toughest test yet against Chimaev, a 14-o fighter known for ragdolling opponents and cinching in uber-violent submission—just ask Robert Whittaker.
Both ‘Borz’ and Du Plessis walked into the United Center with unblemished records inside the Octagon, but only one can leave with their ‘O’ intact and the 185-pound crown wrapped around their waist.
Round 1
Chimaev immediately shoots in, taking ‘DDP’ down to the canvas in the middle of the Octagon. Chimaev quickly moves into side control and gets Du Plessis into a crucifix. Chimaev is peppering the champ with shots as Du Plessis is pinned to the canvas a mere 90 seconds into the scrap. Du Plessis is trying to buck Chimaev off of him, but ‘Borz’ continues to hold position and land potshots. Du Plessis finally frees his arm just past the halfway point of the round, but Chimaev keeps side control. ‘DDP’ inches his way toward the fence, but Chimaev stops him from attempting to wall walk.
Du Plessis gives up his back during a scramble, but that allows him to momentarily get back to his feet. Chimaev quickly takes him down again, getting back into side control and riding out the remainder of the round on top.
Round 2
Chimaev gets another quick takedown in the second. This time, Chimaev is on Du Plessis’ back as ‘DDP’ uses the fence to prevent Chimaev from getting his hooks in. Chimaev tries to stay busy kneeing Du Plessis’ thigh. Du Plessis is showing some frustration as Chimaev starts fishing for a rear-naked choke with two minutes to go in the round.
Chimaev is dominating the action, but landing little in the way of offense. Du Plessis does not appear to have any answers for Chimaev’s relentless wrestling as the second stanza ends just as the first one did.
Round 3
Chimaev picks up right where he left off in the second, taking Du Plessis down and climbing right back into side control in the center of the cage. Chimaev once again puts Du Plessis in a crucifix, trapping his right arm. Du Plessis appears to be busted open near his right eye as Chimaev unloads a series of low-impact shots from the top position. Chimaev throws a couple of elbows that bounce Du Plessis’ head off the mat.
With less than a minute to go in the round, Du Plessis finally frees his arm from the crucifix. ‘DDP’ gives up his back in a desperate attempt to get up. Chimaev continues to land ground and pound shots as the third round comes to a close.
Round 4
Du Plessis finally managed to sprawl and defend one of Chimaev’s takedown attempts. Unfortunately, his effort was for naught as Chimaev worked him down to the mat seconds later, landing his seventh takedown of the fight. Du Plessis got back to his feet, but was almost immediately returned to the mat. Chimaev gets back into side control, and Du Plessis still has no answer.
With a minute to go in the penultimately round, referee Marc Goddard finally stood up the fighters due to a lack of activity. Chimaev quickly takes ‘DDP’ back down, taking the champ’s back and holding position for the rest of the round.
Round 5
Du Plessis comes out looking to let his hands go, but it takes Chimaev all of 30 seconds to get ‘DDP’ to the mat. Near the halfway point of the round, Du Plessis reversed position, getting on top. Chimaev quickly reversed, allowing Du Plessis to cinch in a guillotine choke. Chiamev popped his head out quickly, retaking top control.
The referee stood them up due to a lack of activity with just over a minute to go. Du Plessis lands with a right hand, prompting Chimaev to shoot for another takedown. Du Plessis sprawls and manages to mount Chimaev with 30 seconds left. The crowd is going crazy as ‘DDP’ fishes for a Hail Mary finish. Unable to lock anything in, time runs out, and we have a new UFC middleweight world champion.
Official Result: Khamzat Chimaev def. Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) to win the UFC middleweight title.
Check Out Highlights From Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319:
KHAMZAT CHIMAEV MAKES HIS WAY TO THE CAGE #UFC319pic.twitter.com/8JmdDmimfI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 17, 2025
Death, taxes and Khamzat Chimaev taking you down. pic.twitter.com/OUbY4d2zVX
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) August 17, 2025
Khamzat Chimaev has crucifixed Dricus Du Plessis in all 5 rounds.
Have controlled him in every minute of the fight.
Have landed the most ground strikes in a fight in UFC history.
This is not a domination, this is an annihilation #UFC319pic.twitter.com/iWLz27ZF6c
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) August 17, 2025
KHAMZAT CHIMAEV DEFEATS DRICUS DU PLESSIS BY UNANIMOUS DECISION! (50-44 x3)
AND NEW!!!!! #UFC319 pic.twitter.com/5mPMTW77uW
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 17, 2025
🗣️"Respect that guy!" 🏆🇦🇪@KChimaev gives DDP a nod after it all! #UFC319 pic.twitter.com/GBqPCE3lMD
— UFC Canada (@UFC_CA) August 17, 2025
