A New Champion Emerges
Khamzat Chimaev’s victory at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, crowned him the new UFC Middleweight Champion after he defeated Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision. His performance was built on suffocating wrestling and control. Chimaev completed 12 takedowns, spent more than 21 minutes in top position, and landed over 500 strikes. These numbers highlight a style designed to dominate opponents through relentless pressure.
Some fans criticized the fight for lacking excitement, but others saw it as a display of calculated effectiveness. Veteran Matt Brown compared Chimaev’s style to Georges St-Pierre, pointing out that winning consistently often requires a methodical approach. Chimaev has shown that if his plan works, few can adjust during the fight. For any fighter to beat him, they must first survive the opening storm and then find ways to disrupt his rhythm.
What It Takes to Beat Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev is more than a powerful wrestler. His ability to mix high-pressure grappling with sharp striking makes him difficult to solve. To defeat him, a fighter must have several technical qualities that combine into a complete game plan.
Elite Takedown Defense
The first requirement is strong takedown defense. Chimaev looks to close distance quickly and force opponents to the cage before shooting for takedowns. A fighter who hopes to beat him must be able to sprawl immediately, dig underhooks, and circle away to reset. If taken down, scrambling to the feet must happen instantly. Wall-walking, hip escapes, and chain wrestling defense should be second nature. Remaining on the mat allows Chimaev to settle into top control, which is almost always a losing position.
Distance Management and Footwork
The second key is distance control. Chimaev thrives when he can pressure forward and back his opponent into the fence. To counter this, a fighter needs consistent lateral movement, circling to avoid being cornered. Effective distance management comes from tools such as stiff jabs, calf kicks, and front kicks to the body. These strikes slow his entries and make him shoot from farther away, which exposes him to counters. Without this control, opponents find themselves trapped and overwhelmed.
Cardio That Lasts Five Rounds
Fighting Chimaev is not about surviving one round. His style drains opponents with repeated attempts, even when takedowns fail. Many fighters fade after a few minutes of defending. To win, a fighter must prepare with five-round endurance while still keeping offensive output high. Training should include extended scramble drills, relentless pressure sparring, and striking while fatigued. If cardio breaks down, the fight quickly slips out of reach.
Clinch Resistance and Offense
Neutralizing Chimaev in the clinch is another vital skill. Strong pummeling, heavy underhooks, and the ability to reverse positions can slow his progress. Short punches, elbows, and knees to the body force him to think twice about holding the clinch for too long. Turning his pressure into a wrestling stalemate frustrates him and creates chances to score. An opponent who is dangerous in the clinch can shift the fight away from pure grappling exchanges.
Adaptable Striking Arsenal
A limited striking game will not work. Chimaev is aggressive on entries, and fighters who rely only on head strikes or predictable patterns are easily taken down. To succeed, an opponent needs a varied arsenal. Jabs to the head, low kicks to the legs, and straight shots to the body all serve to break his rhythm. Counterpunching is critical. Knees or uppercuts when he shoots in can punish his level changes. The goal is not only to score but also to discourage him from attacking recklessly.
Mental Composure Under Pressure
Fighting Chimaev is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. He looks to overwhelm opponents early, forcing them into mistakes. Remaining calm when taken down, sticking to a game plan, and refusing to panic separates strong contenders from those who fold. A fighter who maintains composure will recognize openings and capitalize when Chimaev begins to slow down.
Where Du Plessis Went Wrong
Dricus du Plessis entered UFC 319 with confidence, but his strategy fell apart against Chimaev’s pace and wrestling.
Struggles with Grappling Pressure
Du Plessis was taken down repeatedly and controlled for most of the fight. He did not show the scramble ability needed to escape or the defensive awareness to stop the chain wrestling. Once Chimaev established top position, Du Plessis appeared stuck, unable to create space or land significant offense.
Ineffective Striking Choices
Instead of focusing on defense or footwork, Du Plessis often swung back while off balance. These wild exchanges gave Chimaev easier entries for takedowns. Without structured combinations or distance control, Du Plessis was forced into constant defensive positions.
Referee Stand-Ups
Two stand-ups by the referee briefly gave Du Plessis new chances, but he failed to capitalize. Chimaev had been controlling the action, and the resets did not change the momentum. Even with opportunities to reset the fight on the feet, Du Plessis could not establish a rhythm.
Limitations in Style
Du Plessis is known for awkward but effective striking. Against wrestlers at the elite level, that style becomes a weakness. His mechanics left openings, and his fight intelligence did not adjust to Chimaev’s pressure. What usually works in chaotic exchanges turned into vulnerability when forced to defend against wrestling and ground control.
Tactical Lessons for Future Challengers
The fight between Chimaev and Du Plessis offers important lessons for future challengers. To compete with Chimaev, a fighter must focus on several priorities:
- Develop reliable takedown defense through wrestling drills and constant scrambles.
- Control distance with disciplined footwork and strikes that block entries.
- Maintain strong cardio so energy does not fade under constant pressure.
- Build clinch offense to prevent long periods of control.
- Vary striking targets to create damage and deter level changes.
- Stay mentally composed and stick to a plan, even under pressure.
