The main event of UFC 319 eventually became incredibly one -sided, surprising fans who found it difficult to predict the outcome.
Not much expected Khamzat Chimaev Dricav Du Persis to beat the champion in five rounds completely dominate.
The South African had no answer to the dominant struggle of his opponent, so that he could fully dictate the match from start to finish.
Although there was no finish to really put a stamp on his performance, Chimaev still broke records in what many believed would be his most difficult test.
'Borz' has developed the reputation as in control in the Octagon that he proves this by talking to different people while fighting and this was no different on Saturday evening.
Khamzat Chimaev's (@Kchimaev) 529 Total number of strikes vs Drica du Plessis are a new @UFC record.
He earned 21:40 from control time, 2nd most in a UFC fight (22:18 by Sean Sean Sherk vs Hermes Franca).
Complete #UFC319 Main candid results ➡️ https://t.co/69lhkjpuvp
– UFC News (@ufcnews) August 17, 2025
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Khamzat Chimaev made encouragement for Dricus du Plessis and his team during the fight
During his press conference after the fight after he became the champion middleweight, Khamzat Chimaev was asked not to finish Dricus du Plessis.
'Borz' was asked if this surprised him with how dominant he was about 'Still Knocks' during the five round duration.
Chimaev responded to expressing happiness that he could compete for the full 25 minutes, having fun with his performance instead of ending it as quickly as possible.
“No, I just work on him, so I had a cool time beyond. I just spoke with him, said with his coach in the middle of the fight, was happy.”
Chimaev was then asked what he said to Du Plessis and his team in the Octagon, after he had done similar things in the past.
While he had complete control over a hunter who was previously unbeaten in the UFC, he gave them some encouragement.
“I said good job, work harder guys.”
Khamzat Chimaev was worried about his black belt after he had not submitted Dricus du Plessis
There were times at UFC 319 where in earlier fights Khamzat Chimaev was able to finish his opponents when he gets them in those positions.
He emphasized this specifically in the final moments of the fight to try to close his performance with an entry.
When Chimaev was asked why he thinks he was unable to put Drus Du Plessis away, 'Borz' spoke about making an error that made him wondered if his Jiu-Jitsu coach would punish him for it.
“Only because I was sweating. I went outside in the last 30 seconds and tried to finish him. I heard my corner say 30 seconds, that means to meet him. So I tried it, but I made a mistake. Grateful for my coach, he gives the black calls, but I was like I went under, when I went under, [maybe] I don't have a black tire now. “