In one of the most dominant title performances in recent memory, Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev captured UFC gold in Chicago with a five-round clinic against Dricus du Plessis. The Chechen-Swedish star showcased relentless wrestling, suffocating top control, and flawless transitions, leaving no doubt in the judges’ eyes.
By the end of the fight, the scorecards were a clean sweep. Du Plessis, known for his toughness and grit, simply had no answer for Chimaev’s takedowns and pressure. Every round looked the same: Chimaev closed the distance, dragged the champion to the mat, and smothered him with strikes and positional dominance.
A Historic Moment in the Cage
After Bruce Buffer announced the new champion, the crowd erupted — but the night wasn’t over. In a touching and historic moment, Chimaev’s longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach, Alan “Finfou” Nascimento, entered the cage, tied a black belt around his waist, and raised his hand.
The double celebration — a UFC title and a BJJ black belt — is a rare sight in MMA history. For Chimaev, it marked the culmination of years of dedication not only to MMA but to the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the discipline that defined his domination in this fight.
What This Means for Chimaev’s Legacy
Chimaev’s rise through the UFC has always been fueled by raw athleticism and relentless grappling, but critics often wondered how his submission game would stack up against the elite. Tonight, those doubts were erased. His ground control, positional awareness, and ability to shut down every escape attempt looked like the work of a seasoned black belt — and now, officially, he is one.
The victory and promotion place Chimaev in rare company: fighters who not only wear UFC gold but also carry one of the most respected ranks in martial arts.
The Future of the Middleweight Division
With this win, Chimaev is now sitting at the very top of the middleweight division. The question is — who’s left for him? His dominance suggests that challengers will have to prepare not only for his feared wrestling but now for an even more dangerous and fully recognized BJJ arsenal.
As for Dricus du Plessis, the South African warrior showed heart, but he’ll need to regroup if he wants another shot at gold.
Closing Thoughts
Chicago will be remembered as the night Khamzat Chimaev etched his name in history — UFC champion and BJJ black belt, all in one night.
The legend of “Borz” just got a whole lot scarier.
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