Russian fighter Khamzat Chimaev has claimed the UFC middleweight title after dismantling champion Dricus du Plessis in a lopsided five-round contest in Chicago.
Showcasing relentless wrestling and ground control, Chimaev neutralised the South African’s unorthodox striking, keeping the fight on the mat with constant takedowns and punishing ground-and-pound.
A vicious elbow opened a cut on Du Plessis, who was unable to mount significant offence despite a late effort, as Chimaev extended his unbeaten record to 15-0 and confirmed his status as one of the UFC’s most dominant rising stars.
