Khamzat Chimaev breaks silence on his in fight message to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 and it could change how the fight is viewed
Khamzat Chimaev walked into the octagon with full confidence on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, for his middleweight title clash against Dricus du Plessis.
The 31-year-old fighter from the United Arab Emirates put on a dominant performance from the first round itself. Just seconds after the opening bell, Khamzat Chimaev downed Dricus du Plessis and dominated the ground fight. Millions of viewers all around witnessed one-sided action with Khamzat Chimaev not only delivering elbows and punches but also having a brief conversation with his opponent and the head coach of his opponent.
Khamzat Chimaev explains his in-fight words to Dricus du Plessis
Khamzat Chimaev clearly showed he was in charge in his five-round matchup with Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on Saturday night, in Chicago, Illinois.
In response to a question about what he was saying in the middle of the fight, during the post-fight press conference, Chimaev was quick to tell reporters that when he had Dricus du Plessis on the ground, he wanted to take a second to talk to him and his coach.
Khamzat Chimaev said,
'I had some cool time in there.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Luxury Watches Under 10,000. Check Sale Is Live
Luxury Watches
Shop Now
Undo
I just spoke with him, spoke with his coach in the middle of the fight. I said, 'Good job, work harder, guys.''
The middleweight champion also confirmed that he never felt under pressure at any moment of the fight. The conversation happened in the second round, right when he was landing elbows from the crucifix position.
Also Read:
Khamzat Chimaev Defends Baysangur Susurkaev And Warns Eric Nolan In Shocking UFC 319 Presser Clash With Dricus Du Plessis
Dricus du Plessis fails to stop Khamzat Chimaev's ground control and striking
Dricus du Plessis entered the fight hoping to defend the middleweight title in front of the Chicago crowd.
The South African champion had immense difficulties escaping the takedowns from Khamzat Chimaev.
In total, according to the UFC fight statistics, Khamzat Chimaev completed 21 minutes and 40 seconds of ground control in the fight. Khamzat
Chimaev also set a new UFC record for total strikes delivered in a single fight with 529. After the final bell, the judges scored the fight 50-44 in Khamzat Chimaev's favour, making him the new champion.
The new champion also received his jiu-jitsu black belt from his head coach immediately after the fight inside the cage.
Dana White later said at the press conference in Chicago that Khamzat Chimaev might return at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi if the recovery is smooth and both sides agree to the short turnaround.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
27 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Usko kya nazar aayega?': Javed Miandad on Babar Azam's Asia Cup snub
Babar Azam (AFP Photo) Pakistan selectors on Sunday omitted senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan while announcing a 17-member squad for the upcoming tri-series in the UAE later this month, followed by the Asia Cup . The squad, announced by the PCB on its official website, includes senior fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, and left-arm pacer Salman Mirza. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Ahead of the Asia Cup — scheduled in the T20 format from September 9 in the UAE — Pakistan will feature in a tri-series against Afghanistan and the hosts UAE at Sharjah from August 29 to September 7. Salman Ali Agha will lead the side. Meanwhile, a video of legendary cricketer Javed Miandad slamming the selectors for excluding Babar has gone viral on social media. "Unko khud ko nahi pata. Unhone cricket kheli hai? Jo jis level pe cricket kheli hai, woh selection kar rahe hain Babar Azam ki. Usko kya nazar aayega? Babar Azam is a great player. Ups and downs hote hain. Cricket is like a radio — you have to catch the station. Jab aap wicket pe jaate ho, bowler aata hai, aap sochte ho – haan, main yeh kar sakta hoon," Miandad said. Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals India, as well as the UAE and Oman, in the eight-team Asia Cup, which will run from September 9 to 28. Pakistan squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Resolve Jonathan Kuminga Saga Before Pivotal February Deadline
Golden State Warriors' Stephen Curry (Image via Instagram / @warriors) The Golden State Warriors ' ongoing standoff with forward Jonathan Kuminga could reach its conclusion by February, with many expecting the NBA trade deadline to serve as the breaking point. The Ongoing Jonathan Kuminga Dilemma The Golden State Warriors, once synonymous with championship dominance, have struggled to recapture their 2022 glory. Since hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy three years ago, Golden State has faced back-to-back second-round exits and endured a short-lived Chris Paul experiment that failed to produce a playoff berth. The franchise's current predicament stems from its two-timeline approach following the 2019 Finals. Golden State opted to balance winning with development, drafting James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga , and Moses Moody. While Moody has carved out a respectable rotation role, Wiseman is considered one of the league's most notable draft disappointments. Kuminga, meanwhile, has become the focal point of a tense contract dispute. Why February Is Key for the Golden State Warriors According to Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes, the Golden State Warriors are unlikely to resolve the situation during the offseason due to restrictive financial rules that limit sign-and-trade options. However, those restrictions no longer apply at the trade deadline. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like They were so beautiful before; look at them now; number 10 will shock you Boite A Scoop Undo This makes February the most practical window for both Golden State and Kuminga to part ways. Key Points on Jonathan Kuminga's Situation Factor Details Player Status Restricted free agent this summer Contract Demands Seeking a significantly larger deal than teams are willing to pay Team's Position Unwilling to overcommit financially while exploring trade opportunities Predicted Timeline February 2026 trade deadline Trade Restrictions Sign-and-trade rules not applicable midseason Strained Relationship with Steve Kerr Reports suggest Kuminga's relationship with head coach Steve Kerr is fractured beyond repair. This adds urgency for Golden State to move on, as keeping him longer may not improve his value on the trade market. The longer the standoff drags, the more it risks creating further locker room tension. What Comes Next for Warriors and Kuminga Both parties agree that their partnership is nearing an end, but timing remains the obstacle. For the Golden State Warriors, maximizing trade value is crucial as they look to reshape their roster around aging stars Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. For Kuminga, securing a long-term home where he can develop into a franchise cornerstone is the priority. As Ivan White noted in his original report: 'In any case, Golden State and Kuminga want to end their partnership, but neither side is willing to budge until the situation is right.' Also read: Lakers Rumors: Rui Hachimura Faces Uncertain Future in Los Angeles with $18 Million Contract Update The February trade deadline now looms as the moment when both sides may finally get what they want—a clean break. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Sophie Cunningham injury: What happened to the Indiana Fever star and how much time will it take for the basketball star to recover?
Sophie Cunningham, Indiana Fever's gritty guard, suffered a painful right knee injury during a recent game against the Connecticut Sun on Sunday, August 17, forcing her to leave the court early. Stepping in for a defensive play, Cunningham went down after a collision, grabbed her right knee, collapsed mid-game, and had to be helped off the court. The Fever announced she would miss the rest of the game, and she is set to undergo an MRI scan on Monday to determine the severity of the injury. What happened? In a high-stakes matchup against the Connecticut Sun, early in the second quarter, Cunningham rushed into position to help on defense. As Sun guard Bria Hartley drove the lane and fell after passing, she landed directly on Sophie's right knee, causing Cunningham to collapse in obvious pain. Coach Stephanie White described her initial reaction as, 'I'm like, 'Holy s---' … how much pain she was in… it's like, crap,' revealing the obvious severity felt when she saw Cunningham's fall on the court, as reported by CBS Sports. Sophie had to be helped to the locker room and did not return to the game. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Before exiting, she managed one rebound and one turnover in about 10 minutes of play. Immediately following the incident, Cunningham's sister, Lindsey, criticized the WNBA's officiating, hinting that the league needs better protection for its players rather than focusing on fining them for speaking out. How long could the recovery take? At this early stage, no official diagnosis has been released. Cunningham is scheduled to have an MRI to clarify the extent of the knee damage. Medical experts suggest that if this is simply a knee sprain, recovery might take a few weeks. However, a severe sprain, or something more serious like ligament damage, could sideline her for several months. Typical recovery time for a knee sprain varies depending on the nature and severity of the injury. If Cunningham's injury is a knee sprain, recovery can vary: Mild (Grade I): A few days to a few weeks; minor ligament stretch with minimal instability. Moderate (Grade II): Partial ligament tear; typically 4 to 6 weeks of rest and rehabilitation. Severe (Grade III): Complete tear of ligament; recovery can take several months, sometimes requiring surgery. So, if diagnosed with a mild sprain, she might return in time for the upcoming games. But if it's more serious, she could face weeks or even months off the court. With the Fever's next game set for August 23 against the Minnesota Lynx, just five days away, her return is uncertain. If imaging shows a minor issue, she may have a chance to come back quickly, but more significant damage would make her return far less likely in the near term. Who is Sophie Cunningham? Born in 1996, Sophie Cunningham is a wing player known for her toughness and versatile skillset. She played college basketball at the University of Missouri, earning All-SEC honors and being named a Third-team All-American in 2019. After being drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2019 WNBA Draft, she became known for her defense and leadership. In January 2025, she was traded to the Indiana Fever in a multi-team deal. Since joining, she has become a vital part of the team, especially notable for being the 'enforcer' protecting star rookie Caitlin Clark. She also added a championship highlight by helping the Fever win the 2025 Commissioner's Cup. Watch Urvashi Rautela get emotional about her latest music video 'Woh Chaand Kahan Se Laogi'
