The UFC 319 main event middleweight title bout between then-champion Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev was one of the most one-sided championship fights in recent history. Chimaev dominated Du Plessis over the course of five rounds.
Heading into the fight, most analysts believed for Chimaev to win it had to be in the early rounds. They questioned whether the Chechen could keep pace with the South African for 25 minutes. Chimaev not only did not fade, he was able to fatigue the two-time defending world champion.
Former two-time middleweight titleholder Israel Adesanya reacted to Chimaev’s lopsided win and believes “Borz” is going to be ‘a mess to deal with’ in the 185-pound weight class.
“He prepared very well. His gas tank held up,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “Not what I expected, but I’m glad he fixed his cardio, or improved his cardio to the point where he can go five rounds and just rag doll people. That’s a mess. That’s a mess to deal with.”
Over the course of 25 minutes, Chimaev dominated nearly all of them. His relentless pressure and grappling ability proved too much for Du Plessis. He smothered “Stillknocks” and stifled any thought of offense.
“He didn’t even slow down. He slowed down DDP. He slowed him down, which is very impressive,” said Adesanya. “The division is in good hands.”
Following Saturday’s championship win, Chimaev indicated that he’d like to make a quick turnaround. He’d like to fight on the UFC 321 fight card in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 25.
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