UFC Event 319: Matchup between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev - Details, Schedule, Odds, Venue, Comprehensive Guide
UFC 319: Chimaev Dominates Du Plessis to Win Middleweight Title
On Saturday night at the United Center in Chicago, Khamzat Chimaev made history by defeating Dricus Du Plessis to claim the UFC middleweight title.
Chimaev, who entered the fight with an undefeated record of 15-0, dominated the fight from start to finish. The Russian-born Chechen fighter controlled Du Plessis for over 21 minutes, setting a UFC record with 510 total strikes landed to just 56 by Du Plessis. All three judges scored the bout 50-44 in favor of Chimaev, marking one of the most lopsided five-round fights in UFC history.
Du Plessis, who had been the middleweight champion and on a lengthy win streak himself, showed heart but offered little resistance overall. Chimaev's victory was a testament to his skills and a fulfilment of the early hype surrounding him.
The main card also featured several other notable fights. Aaron Pico, making his UFC debut on short notice, faced undefeated featherweight Lerone Murphy. Carlos Prates and Geoff Neal squared off in a welterweight bout that was rescheduled from earlier in the year. Fan-favourite Michael "Venom" Page faced former title challenger Jared Cannonier in the middleweight division.
These fights were part of a total of 11 bouts at the event. Other matchups included Loopy Godinez against Jessica Andrade in the women's strawweight division, Edson Barboza versus Drakkar Klose in the lightweight division, and Chase Hooper competing against Alexander Hernandez in the lightweight division.
The co-main event was announced three weeks before the event and featured Pico and Murphy. Diego Ferreria will compete against King Green in the lightweight division, while Bryan Battle will face Nursulton Ruziboev in the middleweight division. Karine Silva will compete against Dione Barbosa in the women's flyweight division, and Kai Asakara will fight Tim Elliot in the flyweight division.
Chimaev's rise to the top was delayed due to health complications and tough welterweight cuts. However, he has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with in the middleweight division. Du Plessis, who is also undefeated in his UFC career, will no doubt be looking to rebound from this loss and regain his title.
[1] ESPN, UFC 319: Chimaev dominates Du Plessis to win middleweight title, Aug. 16, 2023. https://www.espn.com/mma/fightcard/_/id/4039547
[2] MMA Junkie, UFC 319 results: Khamzat Chimaev dominates Dricus Du Plessis to win middleweight title, Aug. 16, 2023. https://www.mmajunkie.us/events/ufc-319-results-khamzat-chimaev-dominates-dricus-du-plessis-to-win-middleweight-title-267322761/
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