Is Ilia Topuria becoming Khamzat Chimaev’s biggest target?
Khamzat Chimaev has officially taken over the spotlight in the MMA world after his dominant performance at UFC 319, where he dethroned Dricus Du Plessis to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. In a fight that many expected to be a closely contested battle, the man known as the “Wolf” proved why he has been one of the most feared names in the sport since his debut. With relentless grappling, suffocating pressure, and sheer confidence, Chimaev delivered a statement victory that has now ignited debate about his place in the pound-for-pound rankings.
A Dominant Performance That Shook the Division
From the opening bell, Chimaev’s strategy was crystal clear. He closed distance quickly, neutralized Du Plessis’ striking power, and imposed his world-class grappling. While Du Plessis had been celebrated for his toughness and cardio, he simply had no answers for Chimaev’s pace. By the second round, the South African champion was visibly overwhelmed, unable to mount any serious offense. Chimaev’s ground-and-pound, coupled with his relentless transitions, forced the referee to step in, sealing his victory and marking the beginning of a new era in the middleweight division.
What stood out most was not just the win itself, but the way Chimaev made Du Plessis look ordinary. Against a fighter who had just defeated elite competition, Chimaev’s dominance was a reminder that few fighters can handle his unique mix of size, power, and technique.
The Bold Pound-for-Pound Claim
After the fight, Chimaev wasted no time making headlines outside the octagon. Speaking to ESPN, he declared: “I don’t care who makes the rankings. I have to be number one.” The statement immediately sparked debate in the MMA community. Currently, Ilia Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, holds the top pound-for-pound spot, while names like Islam Makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili, and Alexandre Pantoja are also ranked highly.
While Chimaev’s dominance cannot be ignored, most analysts agree that breaking into the top four is a more realistic short-term outcome. Fighters like Pantoja, who has defended his flyweight belt four times, and Makhachev, who has repeatedly proven himself against elite opposition, still hold stronger resumes.
Nevertheless, Chimaev’s confidence is not unfounded. His ability to compete across multiple divisions and his undefeated streak in the UFC make him one of the most dangerous men in the sport. If he continues this trajectory, it’s only a matter of time before he forces the rankings to reflect his self-proclaimed status.
The Meteoric Rise of Chimaev’s Popularity
Beyond the octagon, Chimaev’s influence is skyrocketing. Prior to UFC 319, he crossed the 10 million Instagram followers milestone, a number that has already climbed close to 11 million in the days following his victory. That puts him nearly on par with global UFC stars like Islam Makhachev (10.7 million) and Ilia Topuria (11.5 million).
This surge in popularity highlights the crossover appeal Chimaev brings to the UFC. His fiery personality, confidence, and undefeated dominance resonate not only with hardcore MMA fans but also with casual viewers. Every fight he takes part in feels like a cultural moment, and the UFC will undoubtedly capitalize on his rapidly growing star power.
The Future of the Middleweight Division
With Du Plessis dethroned, the middleweight division has a new king, and the outlook seems daunting for the rest of the contenders. Fighters like Sean Strickland, Jared Cannonier, and Paulo Costa are all high-level athletes, but Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy style presents a nightmare matchup for nearly everyone. His ability to control fights from the ground while still carrying knockout power on the feet makes him one of the most complete threats the division has seen in years.
Many experts believe the only logical scenario is for Chimaev to defend his belt a few times before exploring new challenges. A move to light heavyweight for a potential “champ-champ” status or a return to welterweight, where he once ranked in the top five, are realistic options. Either path would elevate his legacy further and cement him as one of the UFC’s all-time greats.
Why Chimaev Could Be Unstoppable
The biggest question now is: Who can actually beat Khamzat Chimaev? His combination of grappling dominance and physicality is unmatched in the middleweight division. Unless someone can neutralize his wrestling or catch him with a perfectly timed strike, the likelihood of Chimaev’s reign ending soon is slim.
Former champions like Israel Adesanya may offer stylistic intrigue due to their elite striking, but even they would struggle to avoid the takedown threat for five full rounds. In truth, Chimaev may already be levels above his competition.
A Star in the Making
Chimaev’s journey has only just entered its most exciting phase. Becoming middleweight champion was a huge step, but his ambitions clearly reach much higher. He has made it known that he doesn’t just want to be a champion—he wants to be the face of the UFC and the sport of MMA worldwide.
With his massive social media following, his global fanbase, and his ability to deliver highlight-reel performances, Chimaev is positioning himself as the next global superstar of combat sports. If he continues to back up his words with dominant performances, there’s little doubt that he will achieve his goal of becoming pound-for-pound number one.
Conclusion
Khamzat Chimaev’s victory at UFC 319 was more than just another title fight—it was the arrival of a new era. With his destruction of Du Plessis, his bold callout for pound-for-pound supremacy, and his meteoric rise in global influence, the “Wolf” has established himself as one of the most compelling figures in MMA today.
Whether or not the rankings place him at the very top just yet, one thing is clear: Chimaev is a once-in-a-generation talent, and his reign of dominance may have only just begun. Fans and fighters alike now wait eagerly to see how far this unstoppable force can climb, both inside the octagon and beyond.
