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Khamzat Chimaev Destroys Du Plessis in Title Shocker

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Robert LaMar | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 9:28 AM ET

Khamzat Chimaev put on one of the most dominating wins by a challenger fighting against a champion. Chimaev absolutely manhandled Dricus Du Plessis defeating him by a unanimous decision at UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago, IL on Saturday night.

From the opening bell, Khamzat Chimaev unleashed pure violence on middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, putting him in the crucifix position multiple times and raining down unanswered strikes. Du Plessis had no answers for the relentless pressure, grappling dominance, and suffocating offense that Chimaev brought to the cage.

For Chimaev the challenger to dismantle the champion so thoroughly has stunned MMA fans around the globe. This wasn’t just a title fight; it was a brutal demonstration of what happens when unrelenting ferocity meets technical superiority. The judges’ scorecards reflected the dominance: 50-44 across the board, marking a one sided beating that left no room for debate.

A NEW KING OF THE MIDDLEWEIGHTS HAS ARRIVED

KHAMZAT CHIMAEV IS A UFC CHAMPION #UFC319 pic.twitter.com/xAZsTpIeXP

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) August 17, 2025

Most dominating performance ever by a challenger?

Many are already calling this one of the most dominant performances by a title challenger in UFC history. In fact, the only comparison that feels close is Jon Jones’ destruction of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua in 2011, a short-notice fight that launched the era of the sport’s greatest fighter. Chimaev’s demolition of Du Plessis may very well mark the birth of another defining era one led by the Chechen-born wrecking machine.

Everyone already knew Khamzat Chimaev was a monster but tonight confirmed just how terrifying he really is. The challenger didn’t just win, he destroyed a reigning champion, leaving the rest of the division with no choice but to take notice.

For anyone eyeing a title shot at 185 pounds, the warning is clear. Chimaev isn’t just violent, he’s smart, technical, and efficient. He used minimal energy while picking Du Plessis apart with absolute precision, breaking down a fighter many believed was too tough to be dominated.

Now, the question echoes through the division: who can possibly step up against this type of demon?

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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