Khamzat Chimaev becomes a cool UFC champion to beat.
The undefeated wonder child finally realized his first world title in the main event of UFC 319 on Saturday with a shutout version above Champion Drus du Persis.
Chimaev Manacted Du Plessis in five rounds with his wrestling, taking home the unanimous decision victory and the middle weight belt.
Chimaev was a gambling favorite against the defending champion Du Plessis, who is one of the greatest middle weights of all time for victories over Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland (X2) and Robert Whittaker.
Although the gambling line is likely to be in favor of Chimaev, a top candidate believes that he has the lead over the new champion.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Sean Strickland only says he can surpass Khamzat Chimaev
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland quickly focused on Chimaev after his title win on Du Plessis.
Strickland was the last champion for Du Plessis, after he had dethroned Israel Adesanya for the title in 2023. The American lost his five -round Rematch with Du Plessis via a unanimous decision on UFC 312 in February.
Strickland is also a former training partner of Chimaev's and claims that he is the only hunter who can deal with his wrestling.
“I am probably the only one in the UFC who can outgrow that little W- for 5 rounds,” wrote Strickland on X after the fight.
“It seems that I have to stack some ws to fight that little B. LMAO.
“You understand that I have done the many occasions … on every occasion,” said Strickland about Tegraling Chimaev.
“Yes man … I promise you that I will be him in 5 rounds every day of the week.”
“I tell your husband when he was in the gym, I would surpass him. He would have a solid 4 -minute dry bump my legs and then break completely fun,” Strickland added.
The Takedown defense percentage of Strickland is currently at 76%.
Khamzat Chimaev Green Lights Next Title Challenger
As Strickland said, the #2-ranking competitor will have to fight again if he wants a different title chance.
It is a very interesting time in the middleweight division, because a few top candidates compete for the throne of Chimaev.
Anthony Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder seem to be in a good place after the recent main event victories over Roman Dolidze and Robert Whittaker.
When asked who the next one should be for his title, Khamzat Chimaev said that the winner of the upcoming UFC Paris Headliner between #1 Compenders Nassourdine Imavov and #6-ranged Caio Borralho.
Imavov and Borralho cross on September 6.