'I'm sorry South Africa' says Dricus du Plessis as Khamzat Chimaev wins UFC Middleweight title

IOL News

12 hours ago

Dricus du Plessis' nine-fight UFC winning streak ended this morning.
Image: EPA
Chechen-born MMA superstar Khamzat Chimaev broke South Africa's Dricus du Plessis' nine-fight UFC winning streak to become the new Middleweight champion of the world today.
"In the last round I went for it... I almost had it... but it didn't happen." said Du Plessis after the fight, apologising to South Africa for "letting you down".
Fighting out of the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, Chimaev dominated Du Plessis over five rounds with elite grappling and wrestling to which Du Plessis had no answer.
From the first round, Chimaev enjoyed early takedowns and top control as he restricted Du Plessis' movement and breathing with a beautiful crucifix.
For more than two minutes, Chimaev had the South African in that position as he tapped away at his head with strikes; however, the close range at which he was launching did little damage, hence the referee's inability to stop the fight so soon. Du Plessis did well to tuck his head into the UAE-based star's body to avoid maximum damage.
In round two, Du Plessis attacked with his trademark high kick, but it paid little dividends as Chimaev defended it before shooting for another takedown and transitioning to the former's back. At each junction where Du Plessis looked for an escape, Chimaev showcased his high-level wrestling as he moved into position, initiating beautiful wrist control as well to secure control.
Many pundits spoke on the importance of Du Plessis surviving the first two rounds before being able to implement his own pressure game; however, the man failed to show up and take control, as it was more of the same over the next three rounds.
Chimaev had secured six takedowns by the start of round three, locking in another crucifix position. One of the highlights for Du Plessis was his ability to defend the constant rear-naked choke threat from Chimaev as the submission threat was always lurking.
In round four, after minimal damage but dominance of position, Chimaev, who had been in top control once again, was finally stood up by referee Marc Goddard.
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It was almost a moment of respite for Du Plessis and a chance to showcase his striking, but it did not serve him well for very long, as the champion was then brought down again shortly after.
Between rounds four and five, Du Plessis - seemingly fatigued - told his corner that 'I've got him' as coach Morné Visser seemed lost for words and without a plan at that point.
But again, it was Chimaev's bread and butter - his incredible wrestling and grappling that had the final answer as he owned the Octagon.
As the final bell went for the commencement of the last round, it was not long before Chimaev enjoyed another takedown and moved into yet another crucifix position.
As per ref Goddard, not enough action was taking place, and he stood the athletes up again, offering Du Plessis one last chance to secure his belt, but the man seemed to lack the energy when on his feet after weathering that storm.
At one point, Du Plessis slipped away from Chimaev's control and reversed a position to get top control, before going for a guillotine choke, but was unsuccessful in his pursuit, ultimately leading Team Chimaev to a 50-44 unanimous decision win.
'Massive respect to Dricus, he was the only guy who called my name out, he is a real Lion, and African Lion, thank you for taking the fight, brother, said Chimaev after the fight.
A dejected Du Plessis showed class in defeat and apologised to his South African fans back home.
'Massive shoutout to Khamzat (Chimaev). He has incredible control; it was not a matter of strength, but more a case of he knew what your every next move would be.
"To describe his style, it's like a blanket wrapped around you.
"In that last round, I went for it, and almost had it. I could taste the victory, but it did not happen; he deserved it. He is the champion, and I will be back stronger and better than ever. To everybody in South Africa, I am sorry for letting you down. We will come back stronger,' said Du Plessis.