UFC 319: Why Khamzat Chimaev Could Dethrone Ilia Topuria as the No.1 Pound-for-Pound Fighter
The UFC pound-for-pound rankings are one of the most debated lists in combat sports. They transcend weight divisions and ask a simple but fascinating question: If every fighter weighed the same, who would be the best? For years, names like Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Georges St-Pierre have been synonymous with that discussion. Now, two new stars are shaping the debate — Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev.
With his seismic victory at UFC 319, where he dethroned Dricus du Plessis to capture the middleweight title, Chimaev has forced himself into the conversation. Fans, analysts, and even fighters are split, but there’s an undeniable case that the unbeaten Chechen-born fighter could soon leapfrog Ilia Topuria and claim the top spot.
Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC 319 Breakthrough
Heading into UFC 319, many considered Dricus du Plessis one of the toughest and most resilient champions on the roster. The South African had blazed through elite middleweights, showcasing power, durability, and a relentless fighting spirit. Yet Chimaev dismantled him with near-record-breaking dominance, forcing the stoppage and taking the belt in emphatic fashion.
It wasn’t just a title win — it was a statement of supremacy. Chimaev showed that his wrestling, grappling, and smothering pace could overwhelm even the most seasoned champions. At 15-0, his unbeaten record now includes scalps across multiple divisions, making him one of the most versatile and dangerous fighters on the UFC roster.
The Pound-for-Pound Debate: What Really Matters?
The pound-for-pound rankings are not official championships but are treated with equal reverence. They are determined by media members and experts, and they factor in dominance, skill, activity, and accomplishments across divisions.
Currently, Ilia Topuria sits atop the list, largely due to his incredible knockout victory over Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight belt, after already conquering featherweight. The Spanish-Georgian star is riding a wave of hype as he sits at 20-0, with his aggressive striking and charisma making him one of the most marketable fighters in the UFC.
But the real question is this: If both men were the same size and fought under equal terms, would Topuria still be ranked ahead of Chimaev? Many believe the answer might be shifting after UFC 319.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Case for Pound-for-Pound No.1
There are several reasons why Chimaev deserves serious consideration for the top pound-for-pound spot:
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Unbeaten Record Across Multiple Divisions
Chimaev is undefeated at 15-0, with victories at welterweight, middleweight, and even catchweight bouts. Unlike many specialists who dominate a single weight class, Chimaev has shown adaptability and effectiveness across the board. His ability to compete in different divisions mirrors legends like Georges St-Pierre and Daniel Cormier. -
Historic Dominance
Few fighters have ever showcased the level of dominance Chimaev brings. His early UFC run saw him absorb almost no damage while racking up finishes. Even against top contenders, he often looks like he’s operating at a different level, suffocating opponents with his wrestling and unleashing brutal ground-and-pound. -
Beating an Elite Champion
Dricus du Plessis was no paper champion. He had earned his belt the hard way, grinding through the division with heart and power. For Chimaev to not only beat him but to dismantle him as he did is a testament to his unique skillset. -
Crossover Appeal and Momentum
Beyond the cage, Chimaev’s star power is skyrocketing. He’s closing in on 11 million Instagram followers, rivaling established stars like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. In today’s fight game, being a global draw is part of the equation, and Chimaev is rapidly becoming one of the UFC’s biggest names.
How Ilia Topuria Defends His Crown
Of course, Ilia Topuria is not an easy man to dethrone. His performances at featherweight and lightweight have been nothing short of spectacular. His knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, his dominant rise through featherweight, and his crushing finish of Oliveira all prove he is not just a hype train — he’s a legitimate elite champion.
Topuria’s claim is also strengthened by the fact that he’s held titles in two different divisions, something Chimaev has yet to do. His boxing-heavy style, highlight-reel knockouts, and undefeated record make him a superstar in his own right.
The Bigger Picture: Topuria vs. Chimaev Rivalry
While they fight in different divisions, the narrative of Topuria vs. Chimaev as a battle for the pound-for-pound throne is too compelling to ignore. Both are undefeated, both carry immense charisma, and both represent a new generation of global stars.
Imagine a future scenario where Chimaev, after dominating middleweight, moves up to light heavyweight or even back down to welterweight. If he captures titles in multiple divisions, his case for pound-for-pound supremacy would be undeniable. Similarly, if Topuria continues defending belts across featherweight and lightweight, his legacy as the UFC’s best pound-for-pound fighter would only grow stronger.
What’s Next for Khamzat Chimaev?
The immediate future for Chimaev lies in defending his newly won middleweight crown. Potential challengers include Jared Cannonier, Sean Strickland, or even a returning Israel Adesanya. If Chimaev continues his streak of dominance and defends the belt multiple times, his stock in the pound-for-pound race will skyrocket.
There’s also speculation that Chimaev could attempt the rare feat of becoming a two-division champion. With his wrestling base and size, moving up to light heavyweight is not out of the question. That ambition, if realized, would put him in the same rarefied air as legends like Cormier, McGregor, and Nunes.
Conclusion: A Clash of Titans in the Rankings
Right now, Ilia Topuria holds the symbolic crown of the UFC’s pound-for-pound king. But with his triumph at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev has made his case louder than ever. His dominance, unbeaten record, and ability to overwhelm champions make him a legitimate threat to Topuria’s reign in the rankings.
In truth, the debate may never have a definitive answer — pound-for-pound lists are subjective by nature. But what’s undeniable is that fans are witnessing two of the most exciting fighters of this generation rise simultaneously.
Whether Chimaev eventually dethrones Topuria in the rankings or not, one thing is clear: both men are redefining greatness inside the Octagon, and their legacies will forever be linked in the discussion of who truly deserves to be called the best fighter on the planet.
