Chimaev Claims UFC Middleweight Title, Eyes Light Heavyweight Move

Khamzat Chimaev solidified his status as UFC middleweight champion with a dominant performance against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in August, but the undefeated fighter has already outlined a brief reign at 185 pounds before eyeing a move to light heavyweight.

In the five-round title bout, Chimaev overwhelmed du Plessis with superior grappling, securing 12 takedowns, landing 529 strikes, and maintaining control for 21 minutes and 40 seconds. He won every round on all three judges' scorecards, showcasing a level of wrestling dominance that neutralized the former champion's striking prowess. The victory marked Chimaev's first world title in the promotion, capping a career that began at welterweight in 2020 before shifting to middleweight due to health and weight management challenges.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan, speaking on a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, analyzed Chimaev's style as nearly unbeatable without elite credentials. "You gotta be a f***ing Olympic-level wrestler to scrap with that guy," Rogan said, emphasizing the gaps in grappling that separate Chimaev from even accomplished fighters like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, both of whom fell short against...