In what has been described as one of the rarest one-sided UFC main event fights in recent years, Undisputed Middleweight Champion, Dricus Du Plessis lost his belt to challenger, Khamzat Chimaev
The story of the fight was supposed to be Chimaev’s fast start versus du Plessis’ ability to weather the storm and then come back in the later rounds. It turns out none of that mattered because Chimaev just repeatedly took du Plessis to the canvas and beat him up, although he was never quite able to get the finish.
Still, Chimaev’s ground game was just overwhelming with du Plessis unable to do pretty much anything offensively as he felt his title reign slip away. In the end, the judges all scored the fight 50-44 with Chimaev getting the win and becoming the new UFC middleweight champion.
“Happy always,” Chimaev said after the win. Get my money. Dana [White], send my money. The belt is important for my country. I never game plan, just go in work and like I do in the gym. Respect that guy. The only champion who was saying my name. This guy has a big heart. A real lion. An African, real lion.”
In one of the most ridiculous stat lines in history, Chimaev outlanded du Plessis 529-45 in total strikes while scoring 12 out of 17 takedowns during the five-round fight.
It actually took less than 10 seconds into the fight before Chimaev snatched his first double leg takedown and brought du Plessis to the canvas. Chimaev wasted no time moving into the crucifix position as he began raining down short punches with du Plessis trying not to absorb too much damage.
While Chimaev was peppering away, du Plessis defended well and that forced the Chechen mauler to switch his positions on top as he continued to pressure down on the champion. Chimaev maintained control but du Plessis scrambled free momentarily until he ended up on his back again.
As the second round got started, Chimaev wasted no time snatching another takedown as he muscled du Plessis around the cage. With Chimaev on his back, du Plessis was playing defense and just refusing to give up much ground to the challenger.
Still, Chimaev was all over him, looking to advance his position and potentially set up a fight finishing submission. The domination continued with Chimaev just staying in control and du Plessis surviving until another round expired. It was no surprised therefore when all the 3 judges handed the fight to Chimaev
