So, with five championship rounds on deck against Dricus du Plessis, fans and analysts alike wondered if he could keep the pace. By the time the final bell rang in Chicago, though, Chimaev had delivered the kind of performance that silenced every critic of his cardio in one go.

Lerone Murphy stops Whittier’s Aaron Pico with a first-round spinning elbow as Chimaev wins a 50-44 unanimous decision.

Khamzat Chimaev's Interaction With Daniel Cormier Has Fans Excited For UFC 319 originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Du Plessis has been one of the most dominant fighters over the past couple of years. Since his first fight in the UFC in 2020, the South African contestant has not lost a match, winning the Middleweight belt at UFC 290 in 2023. He has since defended the title thrice, two wins coming by decision.

In the headliner, middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) puts his title on the line for the third time when he meets unbeaten – and favored – challenger Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA,