Chimaev Victorious, Claims UFC Middleweight Title Against Du Plessis at UFC 319

Kamaru Usman recently identified the competitor who could present the stiffest challenge to Khamzat Chimaev, the newly crowned UFC middleweight champion.

At UFC 319, held Saturday night at the United Centre, Chimaev secured the UFC middleweight title by achieving a dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis of South Africa.

Khamzat was awarded a unanimous decision after the three judges scored the fight 50-44 in his favour.

The fighter, born in Chechnya, controlled the South African across all five rounds, definitively dispelling any doubts regarding his stamina.

To date, Chimaev has maintained an unblemished record in his career; however, numerous UFC enthusiasts suggest that Usman came very close to defeating him.

Experts have also commented that had the Usman fight at UFC 294 been structured as a five-round contest, the Russian might have experienced his first loss.

Following Khamzat’s triumph, Kamaru posted on X, reminding followers of how near he was to winning at UFC 294.

Usman, during a podcast appearance, mentioned the fighter who could potentially pose a significant threat to Khamzat Chimaev.

“That’s a difficult question. The middleweight division is currently rich with talent, including (Anthony) Fluffy Hernandez, whose progress I admire,” Usman stated.

“It’s visible; the more success you achieve, the more you strive for, and that’s what impresses me about him. Hernandez is continuously improving each time he competes. He’s going to go far, without a doubt.”

Anthony Hernandez is on an eight-fight winning streak and is climbing up the middleweight rankings.

Chimaev remains undefeated since his debut five years ago, enhancing his record to 15-0 with his most recent win.