Right from the outset in the Windy City, Chimaev showcased his superior wrestling and grappling, pinning Du Plessis to the canvas for most of the five rounds. As the fight entered the championship rounds, the Chechen remained relentless – chaining his wrestling together beautifully, closing the distance, shutting down any offence from Du Plessis, and moving him around the octagon at will.

Khamzat Chimaev. Photo: UFC

In nearly every round, Chimaev managed to take the South African down within the first 30 seconds, if not sooner, and once the fight hit the mat, he kept it there.

Du Plessis came out with intent in the fifth and final round and even briefly locked in a choke-hold, but Chimaev quickly shot low again, neutralising him and dragging the contest back to the ground.

Absolutely DOMINANT performance from @KChimaev tonight ??

He's leaving #UFC319 with middleweight gold! pic.twitter.com/ia1KW5sEAx

— UFC (@ufc) August 17, 2025

The 31-year-old from Welkom never stopped fighting, but he was ultimately outclassed by a champion who refused to let him impose his strengths, instead draining his energy with constant pressure and suffocating defence.

All three judges scored the bout 50–44 in Chimaev’s favour – a fair reflection of his dominance.

Chimaev remains unbeaten in the UFC with a flawless 15–0 record, while Du Plessis suffered his first defeat in the promotion. His overall MMA record now stands at 23–3.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg