Du Plessis Defends Belt Against Chimaev—MMA’s Biggest Fight in Years?

By Ali Hammad August 17, 2025 07:49

The MMA world was electrified on August 16, 2025, as Dricus Du Plessis defended his UFC middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev in what many are dubbing the biggest fight in years. The bout, held at Chicago’s United Center under UFC 319, showcased a clash between two dominant athletes symbolizing a potential turning of the guard in the middleweight division.

Du Plessis, the South African phenom, came into the fight as the reigning champion, having claimed the belt in January 2024 by edging out Sean Strickland and successfully defending it twice in emphatic fashion against former champion Israel Adesanya and a rematch with Strickland. Known for his calculated striking and submission prowess, Du Plessis entered UFC 319 with a perfect 10-0 UFC record, carrying an aura of invincibility and calm resolve.

Chimaev, a 31-year-old Russian-born Swedish fighter, arrived as the challenger with a menacing 14-0 professional record and a reputation as one of the fiercest prospects in MMA. His roadmap to this title shot was paved with devastating wins over former champions Robert Whittaker and Kamaru Usman. Despite injury setbacks and a COVID-induced delay earlier in his career, Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and submission skills positioned him as one of the scariest middleweight threats UFC has seen in years.

From the opening bell, it was clear Chimaev intended to dominate with his grappling. Within the first 10 seconds, he secured a takedown and controlled Du Plessis for the vast majority of the fight. Utilizing a crucifix position multiple times, Chimaev unleashed ground-and-pound combinations and relentlessly sought submission opportunities, including rear naked choke attempts and triangle chokes. Despite Du Plessis’ resilience he verbally assured his corner each round “I feel great” the champion was largely on the defensive, spending nearly every minute wrestling to survive rather than dictate the pace.

The fight ended when all three judges awarded Chimaev a unanimous decision victory with scorecards reading 50-44. This win not only ended Du Plessis’ undefeated UFC streak but marked a defining moment for Chimaev, who finally ascended to UFC champion status, fulfilling the immense promise he had carried since his debut.

This fight was more than a title bout; it represented the collision of two MMA eras. Du Plessis tried to hold the line for the current generation of champions, while Chimaev ushered in a new era with his dominant grappling and aggressive style. The atmosphere was charged, with much of the Chicago crowd vocally supporting the challenger, adding to the championship night drama.

Notable MMA star Israel Adesanya weighed in before the fight, expressing respect for both fighters but predicting a potential knockout by Du Plessis in the middle rounds a prediction that fell short as Chimaev’s grappling proved paramount. Adesanya highlighted the complexity of the matchup, noting the division's shift with “deep waters” separating the old guard from new contenders.

Chimaev’s plan to pace himself during camp paid dividends, managing his notorious tendency to overtrain and appearing in peak physical form. His calm demeanor before the fight, saying simply, “I feel good. I feel amazing,” reflected his confidence without arrogance.

In summary, UFC 319 crowned Khamzat Chimaev as middleweight champion in a dominant performance over Dricus Du Plessis, a fight many consider MMA’s biggest of the decade. The fight’s significance extends beyond title implications: it signals a turning point in one of MMA’s most competitive divisions and sets the stage for Chimaev to define his reign as the new face of the middleweight class.