Chimaev Dominates Du Plessis To Claim UFC Middleweight Title At UFC 319

Chechen-born wrestling specialist Khamzat Chimaev completely dominated Dricus du Plessis to win the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 319 on Saturday night, overwhelming the South African with relentless grappling to secure a unanimous decision victory.

All three judges scored the fight 50–44 in Chimaev’s favour, after five rounds in which the 31-year-old smothered Du Plessis on the mat, controlling almost every exchange.

Chimaev set the tone inside the opening minute, shooting for an early takedown before he pinning Du Plessis in a crucifix position and landing strikes. Though the punches caused little damage, the control made clear what was to come.

Round two unfolded in similar fashion, with Chimaev clamping onto his opponent’s back to threaten with knees and choke attempts. By the third and fourth rounds, Du Plessis was visibly exhausted, spending most of his time trapped in disadvantageous positions.

A late rally in the fifth offered the South African a glimmer of hope as he finally managed to attack, but it was far too late to overturn Chimaev’s dominance.

“I never game-plan. I just came in, work like I do in the gym,” Chimaev said after being crowned champion. “That guy is strong, I couldn’t finish, respect that guy. He’s the only champion who was saying my name. This guy has real heart, a real lion, a real African lion.”

Du Plessis accepted his dethroning with dignity, vowing to return stronger.

“He deserves this 100 percent, he beat me fair and square tonight,” he said. “He was the better man tonight, and I’ll be back. I’ll come and get my belt back, but for now, it’s his and he deserves it, and he has to enjoy it.”

 Boluwatife Enome 

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