Khamzat Chimaev Eyes 70 Days Turnaround for First Title Defense After UFC 319 Domination

Newly crowned middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev is ready to fight in the next two months at the UFC Abu Dhabi PPV event.

Khamzat Chimaev Eyes 70 Days Turnaround for First Title Defense After UFC 319 Domination

Khamzat Chimaev doesn't need a break after UFC 319 win (via X)

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Khamzat Chimaev showcased relentless wrestling dominance at UFC 319, overwhelming former champion Dricus Du Plessis and silencing his critics. The ‘Borz’ controlled every round with suffocating pressure, nullifying Du Plessis’s offense, and left him unable to impose any effective strategy. After five brutal rounds of relentless grappling, the undefeated Chechen became the undisputed champion.

Ahead of UFC 319, Chimaev warned Du Plessis about his relentless wrestling pressure that would overwhelm opponents instantly. Confident in his wrestling skills, the South African and his team underestimated Chimaev’s grappling, believing they could neutralize his offensive dominance.

As the fight began, the ‘Borz’ immediately shot for a takedown, easily succeeding and dictating the tempo with suffocating grappling. Throughout five rounds, not only did Chimaev dominate the former champion effortlessly, but also avoided serious injuries. Later, he promised fans a quick return.

We will see what they say. I’m ready always. No injuries, thanks God. 

Khamzat Chimaev via UFC post-fight presser 

After UFC 319, Sean Strickland reignited his rivalry with Chimaev by posting bold claims on a social media platform. The outspoken former champion declared himself the only fighter capable of dethroning the newly crowned undefeated Chechen middleweight champion. Strickland confidently stated his intentions to rack up a few more wins before challenging Chimaev directly for the championship title.

Meanwhile, the undefeated champion has expressed interest in facing the winner of Caio Borralho versus Nassourdine Imavov, scheduled for UFC Paris. Chimaev consistently emphasizes his willingness to fight any opponent the UFC offers, provided negotiations meet his expectations and financial demands. With endless exciting opportunities awaiting him, fans remain curious about Chimaev’s next opponent.

UFC 321 is scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi on October 25, about 70 days away from UFC 319. Since there was no concerning injuries, the new champion hopes to get right back in. As it turns out, Chimaev has fought opponents with much shorter notice than the 2 month wait till UFC 321. As such, it would not be a surprise to see the new middleweight champion back in action so soon.

Former UFC champion defends Khamzat Chimaev over UFC 319 performance 

Khamzat Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 everywhere landing over 529 strikes compared to Du Plessis’s 45. The dominant grappler amassed more than 21 minutes of total control time, neutralizing every offensive attempt and completely dismantling Du Plessis’s strategy.

Despite his clear statistical dominance, fans loudly booed throughout the contest and criticized the fight as repetitive, predictable, and lacking entertainment value.

Khamzat Chimaev dominates Dricus Du Plessis
Khamzat Chimaev dominates Dricus Du Plessis (via X)

Online reactions heavily criticized the ‘Borz’ performance, with many labeling it boring despite his dominance, claiming that wrestling-heavy approaches hinder excitement. Following the negative narrative, former UFC champion and one of the GOATs, Demetrious Johnson, dismissed the criticism. 

If you guys don’t wanna watch grappling and wrestling — don’t watch the UFC. You guys are complaining about something which is very easy problem to fix. Let’s say Khamzat is about to fight again. All you have to do is, you see this button right here. It’s called off button, [presses remote]. It’s a very simple problem to fix guys. You making it a bigger deal than it is.

Demetrious Johnson via YouTube 

There were fans who applauded Chimaev’s wrestling dominance at UFC 319, praising his ability to control big opponents. They blamed the South African for failing to defend takedowns or implement adjustments, which ultimately exposed weaknesses in his grappling.

Still, a large portion of fans hoped for a spectacular finish, recalling Chimaev’s brutal stoppage win against former champion Robert Whittaker. The crucifix position as well as not advancing with submission threats or heavy ground-and-pound ultimately made the bout lackluster without any major moments.

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