Khamzat Chimaev is lastly a champion after he dominated Dricus du Plessis throughout 5 consecutive rounds to say middleweight gold within the UFC 319 primary occasion.
The story of the struggle was purported to be Chimaev’s quick begin versus du Plessis’ capability to climate the storm after which come again within the later rounds. It seems none of that mattered as a result of Chimaev simply repeatedly took du Plessis to the canvas and beat him up, though he was by no means fairly capable of get the end.
Nonetheless, Chimaev’s floor sport was simply overwhelming with du Plessis unable to do just about something offensively as he felt his title reign slip away. In the long run, the judges all scored the struggle 50-44 with Chimaev getting the win and turning into the brand new UFC middleweight champion.
“Glad at all times,” Chimaev stated after the win. Get my cash. Dana [White], ship my cash. The belt is vital for my nation. I by no means sport plan, simply go in work and like I do within the fitness center. Respect that man. The one champion who was saying my title. This man has an enormous coronary heart. An actual lion. An African, actual lion.”
In probably the most ridiculous stat traces in historical past, Chimaev outlanded du Plessis 529-45 in whole strikes whereas scoring 12 out of 17 takedowns through the five-round struggle.
It truly took lower than 10 seconds into the struggle earlier than Chimaev snatched his first double leg takedown and introduced du Plessis to the canvas. Chimaev wasted no time shifting into the crucifix place as he started raining down quick punches with du Plessis attempting to not take up an excessive amount of injury.
Whereas Chimaev was peppering away, du Plessis defended nicely and that compelled the Chechen mauler to modify his positions on high as he continued to stress down on the champion. Chimaev maintained management however du Plessis scrambled free momentarily till he ended up on his again once more.
Because the second spherical bought began, Chimaev wasted no time snatching one other takedown as he muscled du Plessis across the cage. With Chimaev on his again, du Plessis was taking part in protection and simply refusing to surrender a lot floor to the challenger.
Nonetheless, Chimaev was throughout him, seeking to advance his place and doubtlessly arrange a struggle ending submission. The domination continued with Chimaev simply staying in management and du Plessis surviving till one other spherical expired.
Rinse and repeat to begin the third with Chimaev taking du Plessis down with out a lot resistance. As soon as once more, Chimaev moved into the crucifix and this time he began seeking to join with some elbows as blood started trickling down the facet of du Plessis’ face.
With du Plessis simply caught and nowhere to go, Chimaev simply continued to batter him with strikes earlier than shifting into the mount. Chimaev began searching for a rear-naked choke and du Plessis may solely fend off the submission earlier than time ran out once more.
The relentless wrestling from Chimaev didn’t cease as he simply rag dolled du Plessis at each flip, shifting him across the cage and stopping the South African from having a cut up second to work. It doesn’t matter what he tried, du Plessis couldn’t break away and Chimaev was simply mauling him on the bottom.
The domination continued till du Plessis discovered a second of success when he truly scored a reversal and bought on high of Chimaev. Sadly, du Plessis went for the guillotine choke and Chimaev broke free earlier than the submission offered any hazard.
One closing scramble gave du Plessis a second of hope nevertheless it was all for not as Chimeav jumped up in celebration as quickly as the ultimate horn sounded.
The title struggle win strikes Chimaev to 15-0 general whereas turning into a really marketable champion for the UFC. Anybody attempting to take that belt goes to have their work reduce out for them as Chimaev lastly realizes his full potential with that UFC title wrapped round his waist.
As for du Plessis, his title reign ends and contemplating the way in which this struggle performed out, it’s most likely going to take quite a bit for him to earn a rematch so long as Chimaev is champion however he stays one of many high middleweights within the sport even in defeat.
