After defeating Du Plessis, is the undefeated Chimaev really unrivaled in the UFC?
When Khamzat Chimaev stepped into the Octagon against reigning champion Dricus du Plessis, few could have predicted just how explosive the clash would be. In a stunning display of raw power, relentless pressure, and technical dominance, Chimaev dismantled Du Plessis to claim the coveted UFC title. This wasn’t just another championship bout—it was a statement fight that has the MMA world buzzing, sparking debates about Chimaev’s place among the sport’s all-time greats and what this seismic victory means for the future of the UFC.
A Night of Shockwaves in the Octagon
The MMA universe witnessed a seismic shift when Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev dismantled Dricus du Plessis to claim the UFC championship in spectacular fashion. The fight, billed as a clash between two undefeated phenoms of the middleweight division, ended in a dominant display of aggression, technique, and unrelenting pressure.
Fans expected a war of attrition. Instead, they witnessed the coronation of a new king. Social media exploded with reactions, experts immediately weighed in on the implications, and the UFC landscape has been forever altered. But how exactly did Chimaev overwhelm Du Plessis? And what does this mean for the future of the sport?
This article provides the full breakdown, highlights, fan reactions, expert insights, and deep analysis of one of the most important title fights in recent UFC history.
The Road to the Title Fight
Khamzat Chimaev’s Meteoric Rise
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Born in Chechnya, raised in Sweden, Chimaev entered the UFC with a reputation as a savage grappler.
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Known for mauling opponents with wrestling and ground-and-pound, he quickly became one of the most feared men in the UFC.
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Prior to this fight, he held a perfect record, defeating names like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Dricus du Plessis: The South African Powerhouse

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Nicknamed “Stillknocks,” Du Plessis stormed into title contention with an impressive run, defeating Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland.
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His unorthodox striking and relentless forward pressure made him dangerous.
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Many analysts believed his power and durability could neutralize Chimaev’s wrestling.
The stage was set: two unbeaten warriors, one championship belt.
Fight Night Breakdown
Round 1: The Storm Begins
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Chimaev wasted no time, closing the distance and pressing Du Plessis against the cage.
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He landed a takedown within the first minute, transitioning smoothly to back control.
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Ground strikes rained down, forcing Du Plessis into survival mode.
Key Stat: Chimaev landed 34 significant strikes on the ground in Round 1, compared to Du Plessis’s 6 total strikes.
Round 2: Relentless Pressure
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Du Plessis attempted to find space with heavy leg kicks and looping punches.
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Chimaev, however, showed improved striking, landing a crisp jab and overhand right.
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Another takedown midway through the round silenced any momentum Du Plessis was building.
Round 3: The Finish
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Chimaev poured on the pressure, dragging Du Plessis down once again.
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With hooks in, he flattened Du Plessis out and unleashed brutal ground-and-pound.
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Referee stepped in at 3:41 of Round 3, awarding Chimaev the TKO victory.
The new champion raised his hands, roaring in triumph as fans erupted.
Why Chimaev’s Victory Was So Dominant
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Superior Wrestling – Du Plessis had no answer to Chimaev’s chain wrestling.
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Improved Striking – Chimaev’s jab disrupted Du Plessis’s rhythm.
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Cardio & Pace – Chimaev maintained a suffocating pace, outlasting Du Plessis’s gas tank.
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Fight IQ – Perfect balance of aggression and control.
This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement performance.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Explodes
Twitter/X Highlights
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“Khamzat is a monster. This is Khabib 2.0 with striking. Who can stop him?”
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“Respect to Du Plessis, but tonight belonged to Borz.”
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“Dana White just found his next superstar.”
Reddit & Forums
On MMA forums, debates raged:
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Is Chimaev already the pound-for-pound #1?
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Could he dominate both middleweight and welterweight divisions?
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Did Du Plessis even belong in the same cage?
Expert Analysis: What Do Scouts and Analysts Say?
Technical Breakdown
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Former UFC fighters praised Chimaev’s balance of striking and wrestling.
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Analysts highlighted how he neutralized Du Plessis’s power shots by smothering him early.
Dana White’s Reaction
Dana White reportedly called the performance “terrifying”, noting that Chimaev may be the UFC’s most unstoppable force since Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Possible Matchups
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Israel Adesanya comeback fight
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Sean Strickland rematch
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Robert Whittaker test of durability
Historical Context: Where Does This Win Rank?
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Few fighters have won UFC gold with such dominance.
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Comparisons are being made to Jon Jones’s early title run.
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Chimaev’s undefeated aura puts him in the conversation as one of the most feared champions in UFC history.
The Future: What’s Next for Borz?
Potential Title Defenses
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Adesanya’s return could be the most marketable fight.
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Jared Cannonier, a proven striker, might pose stylistic intrigue.
Double-Champ Aspirations
Chimaev has hinted at moving back to welterweight. Could he become a two-division champion?
The UFC Business Angle
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Chimaev’s global following (Russia, Middle East, Europe) gives UFC massive market expansion opportunities.
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Expect the UFC to headline him in Abu Dhabi or Riyadh for maximum impact.
Lessons from Du Plessis’s Defeat

While Du Plessis lost, his toughness cannot be ignored:
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He survived nearly two full rounds of pressure.
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His striking did land in brief windows, showing openings future opponents might exploit.
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At 30, he still has time to regroup and make another title run.
Key Takeaways for MMA Fans
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Chimaev is the real deal – not hype.
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Du Plessis remains a top contender but was outclassed.
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The UFC has a new superstar, and the middleweight division is on notice.
The Dawn of the Borz Era
Khamzat Chimaev’s destruction of Dricus du Plessis wasn’t just a win – it was the birth of a new era. Fans witnessed the rise of a champion who combines fearless aggression, elite wrestling, and evolving striking into a terrifying package.
As debates continue and fans dream of future mega-fights, one thing is clear: the UFC has found its next dominant force.
Chimaev didn’t just beat Du Plessis. He made a statement to the world: the Borz era has begun.


