Latest news with #UFCMiddleweightChampionship
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Chimaev defeats Du Plessis to win UFC title
A record number of strikes and several submission attempts were enough for Khamzat Chimaev to win the UFC Middleweight Championship over Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319 on Saturday night. By taking all three cards by 50-44 scores, the 31-year-old Russian remained unbeaten at 15-0 despite what was a largely supportive sold-out United Center crowd turning to jeers as the fight went on. 'I am happy, always,' Chimaev said post-fight. 'I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym. That guy [Du Plessis] is strong. I couldn't finish. I respect that guy. He is the only champion that would say my name. This guy has big heart.' Chimaev also landed 529 strikes in the match, breaking Max Holloway's UFC record of 447 set in 2021, according to ESPN. His plus-484 striking differential also set a record, breaking Holloway's mark of plus-312 in that same 2021 match against Calvin Klatter. The South African Du Plessis (23-3) was on the canvas within the match's first 10 seconds and the defending champion was on the defensive throughout the match. 'All credit to Khamzat,' Du Plessis, 31, said after the fight. 'He beat me fair and square.' With a crowded middleweight title-contender pool in front of him, Chimaev said he was spending at least one night enjoying his breakthrough win. 'I'm going to go back to the hotel, joke with my friends and enjoy this victory,' Chimaev said. Chimaev, who joined the UFC in 2020 and has previously defeated former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, was rarely threatened against Du Plessis, and despite being denied a finish by the South African he relentlessly took down the defending champion in the opening minute of every round. He converted 12 of 17 takedown attempts and spent 84% of the 25-minute fight in control of Du Plessis, UFC match data show. Du Plessis's only moment to stage a come-from-behind victory came in the final round when he spun his way on top of his tiring opponent and executed a guillotine. However, his attempt was short lived as, Chimaev fought his way out and again regain control of the champion until the final bell. 'The man has incredible control on top,' Du Plessis said. 'It wasn't a matter of strength; it wasn't physical; it was almost like he knew what your next move was. I could almost taste that victory [with the guillotine choke hold], but he beat me fair and square. He was the better man tonight. I'll be coming to get my belt back, but for now, it's his. He deserves it.' The rest of the main card saw Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates deliver spinning back elbow knockouts of Aaron Pico and Geoff Neal, respectively. England's Murphy (17-0-1) stayed unbeaten in the featherweight division with his win at 3:21 of the first round. Prates, who turns 32 on Sunday, ended his fight with one second remaining in the opening round of their bout in the 170-pound weight class. Middleweight Michael Page's two knockdowns were enough to secure a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier, and flyweight Tim Elliott secured a guillotine choke submission win over Kai Asakura at 4:39 of Round 2. With inputs from Reuters. UFC 319 results: Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico Carlos Prates def. Geoff Neal Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper Darkkar Klose def. Edson Barboza Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris
News18
2 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Dricus Du Plessis To Clinch Middleweight Championship Title At UFC 319
Last Updated: The 31-year-old Chimaev picked up the win over Du Plessis by unanimous decision with all judges scoring the bout in favour of the former 50-44. Khamzat Chimaev coasted to a resounding win over Dricus Du Plessis on Sunday in UFC 319 as the Russian clinched the UFC Middleweight Championship belt The 31-year-old Chimaev picked up the win over Du Plessis by unanimous decision with all judges scoring the bout in favour of the former 50-44. view comments First Published: August 17, 2025, 11:34 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The South African
11-08-2025
- Sport
- The South African
UFC 319: What time is Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat? Fight details revealed
UFC 319 will be headlined by a clash of the titans when Dricus Du Plessis defends his middleweight championship against Khamzat. Dricus ' Stilknox ' Du Plessis faces his toughest title defence yet when hedefends his middleweight title against the brutal – and undefeated – Khamzat Chimaev in the octagon on Sunday in Chicago. Both fighters are undefeated in their UFC careers. So, something has to give when these two beasts unleash their claws on one another in what is set to be a brutal and ferocious fight. The main card starts at 04:00 on Sunday morning in South Africa. Meaning, an early start for Dricus fans accross SA on Sunday, 19 August. Du Plessis vs Khamzat is the main event so they will be the last fight of the evening. Four fights will take place before them. Their is a flyweight bout between Timm Elliott from the USA and Japanese fighter, Kai Asakura. Thereafter, Jared Cannonier takes on Michael Page in a middleweight bout. There is also a welterweight bought between Geoff Neil and Carlos Prates of Brazil. Therefore, the starting time for Dricus vs Khamzat will be determined by how long these fights take. Please note – The fight is set to take place on 16 August in the United Stated of America but it is on Sunday morning in SA. UFC 319 main card starts at 04:00 am (SA Time). Event: UFC 319 Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis v Khamzat Chimaev Title: UFC Middleweight Championship Date: Sunday, August 17 Location: United Centre, Chicago. Du Plessis and Khamzat have not lost once in their UFC career's. Dricus has a 23-2 record but he has not lost a fight since October 2018. Thus, remaining undefeated in the UFC. Meanwhile, his opponent, Khamzat has a 14-0 streak in his MMA career. Therefore, one of these men will lose for their first time in their UFC Careers.
The South African
20-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Dricus Du Plessis fight earnings QUADRUPLED - Staggering figures REVEALED!
UFC and MMA SA-born superstar, Dricus Du Plessis has tripled his earnings in a few huge fights. Dricus Du Plessis earnings (base earnings per fight) have skyrocketed since he first triumphantly made history to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship against Sean Strickland. Thereafter, these figures have skyrocketed. The SA-born superstars earnings have quadrupled between then and his most recent bout against American, Sean Strickland – in their re-match. Du Plessis earnings have multiplied by four since his he claimed the UFC middleweight championship against Strickland. Thereafter, he submitted the imposing, agile and dangerous Israel Adesanya. In a his first title defence – a statement of note by the South African. When he first took on Strickland, as the challenger, he took home a reported $300 000 base salary for the fight (excluding add-ons), according to Briefly. Now, the South African UFC middleweight champion salary has drastically increased with Du Plessis earning a reported $1.2 million (base salary) for his re-match against Sean Strickland. This is a staggering 300% increase between three fights. For the rematch against Strickland these were the estimated pay-outs from add-ons to the reported base salary he took home: 'Du Plessis was guaranteed a payday and base salary of $1.2 million, and he's expected to have another added fee of $400,000, which is his PPV payout, along with a $42,000 in sponsorships,' the report read on the same publication. Additional earnings such as pay per view payouts and sponsorship deals are dependent on each fight. Furthermore, being the Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night influence his pay-pay view earnings. Dricus will defend his title against Khamzat Chimaev on August 16 in Chicago, USA. 'UFC owner Dana White announced that Dricus du Plessis will defend his belt against Khamzat Chimaev,' White told the media. 'After much speculation, the fight is happening and is scheduled for August 16 in Chicago, USA,' White added during the press conference. Furthermore, he is expected to earn a similiar base fee or even more for his next bout against Khamzat. With sponsorship deals, pay per view payout and his base salary likely to increase. DO YOU THINK DRICUS DU PLESSIS SHOULD EARN MORE OR LESS AS A BASE SALARY PER FIGHT? WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR HIS TITANTIC TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST KHAMZAT IN AUGUST? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ You can also send us a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Dricus Du Plessis salary QUADRUPLED - Staggering figures REVEALED!
UFC and MMA SA-born superstar, Dricus Du Plessis has tripled his earnings in a few huge fights. Dricus Du Plessis earnings have skyrocketed since he first triumphantly made history to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship against Sean Strickland. Thereafter, his salary has skyrocketed with the SA-born superstars earnings quadrupling between then and his most recent bout against American, Sean Strickland – in their re-match. BIG-READ: DRICUS DU PLESSIS STAGGERING SALARY REVEALED! Du Plessis earnings have multiplied by four since his he claimed the UFC middleweight championship against Strickland. Thereafter, he submitted the imposing, agile and dangerous Israel Adesanya in a his first title defence – a statement of note by the South African. When he first took on Strickland, as the challenger, he took home a reported $300 000 base salary for the fight (excluding add-ons). Now, the South African UFC middleweight champion salary has drastically increased with Du Plessis earning a reported $1.2 million (base salary) for his re-match against Sean Strickland. This is a staggering 300% increase between three fights. As mentioned, these fixtures exclude all additional earnings such as pay per view payouts and sponsorship deals which continue to grow exponentially as he continues to win. Thus, growing his brand as an individual and his value to other companies seeking sponsorship. Dricus will defend his title against Khamzat Chimaev on August 16 in Chicago, USA. 'UFC owner Dana White announced that Dricus du Plessis will defend his belt against Khamzat Chimaev,' White told the media. 'After much speculation, the fight is happening and is scheduled for August 16 in Chicago, USA,' White added during the press conference. Furthermore, he is expected to earn a similiar base fee or even more for his brutal blockbuster showdown against Khamzat. With sponsorship deals, pay per view payout and his base salary likely to increase. Stay tuned to The South African as we unveil his earnings and pay out and everything you need to know about Dricus ' Stillknocks ' Du Plessis up-and-coming title defense. DO YOU THINK DRICUS DU PLESSIS SHOULD EARN MORE OR LESS AS A BASE SALARY PER FIGHT? WHAT ARE YOUR PREDICTIONS FOR HIS TITANTIC TITLE DEFENCE AGAINST KHAMZAT IN AUGUST? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
