Khamzat Chimaev has established himself as a dominant force in the UFC since his explosive debut, delivering unprecedented control over his opponents. His remarkable record of outstriking adversaries 252-2 in his first four UFC bouts underlines his supremacy and sets a high bar in mixed martial arts.
In 2024, five years after shocking the MMA world with his arrival, Chimaev earned his first title shot, scheduled to headline UFC 319 on Saturday night at the United Center in Chicago. This championship bout pits the Chechen standout against Dricus du Plessis, promising one of the most eagerly awaited matchups of the year alongside a card featuring Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Carlos Prates, Aaron Pico, and Kai Asakura.
Chimaev’s early UFC fights showcase unmatched striking accuracy
Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020 with unparalleled momentum by securing two wins within just 10 days on ‘Fight Island’. His unstoppable run continued, culminating in a rapid 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert three months later. This rapid succession of victories demonstrated his striking skill and tactical dominance early in his career.
After a difficult period battling COVID-19, which had him considering retirement, Chimaev returned to the Octagon in October 2021 with a devastating win over Li Jingliang at UFC 267. This victory boosted his record to a flawless 4-0 in the UFC and 10-0 overall in professional MMA, while remarkably being struck only once across those matches.
Throughout these initial fights, Chimaev dominated John Phillips, Rhys McKee, Gerald Meerschaert, and Li Jingliang, outlanding them by an overwhelming 252 significant strikes to just 2. Such statistics highlight a rare level of ‘hit without being hit’ efficiency that is virtually unmatched in recent UFC history.
However, Chimaev’s perfect defensive record ended during his fifth fight at UFC 273 in Jacksonville, when Gilbert Burns managed to land 141 strikes, including 119 significant blows. This encounter tested Chimaev’s resilience but did not diminish his reputation for excellence.
Promising confident control in the upcoming UFC 319 main event
Khamzat Chimaev is projecting the same commanding presence against Dricus du Plessis as he aims to claim the welterweight title. Du Plessis’ style has baffled others in the division, yet Chimaev remains unwavering in his confidence to dominate the challenger.
The recent heated face-off between the two fighters has intensified anticipation, with Du Plessis issuing a fierce warning to the champion. Meanwhile, Chimaev embraced his aggressive mindset ahead of the Chicago showdown, telling commentator Joe Rogan directly:
“Just gonna go f— this boy up,”
—Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Fighter
“One day, he has only one day left. He is dead tomorrow.”
—Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Fighter
Anticipating the impact of Chimaev’s dominance on the UFC landscape
As Chimaev prepares for his title fight at UFC 319, the stakes are high for both men. A victory in Chicago would validate Chimaev’s rapid ascent through the UFC ranks and set up a potential swift title defense in Abu Dhabi this October. The Chechen fighter’s goal remains clear: maintain his elite form, avoid damage, and continue his legacy of unparalleled dominance.
His early record of landing 252 strikes to just 2 across four fights remains a benchmark unlikely to be matched anytime soon, illustrating his exceptional combination of offense and defense. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if ‘Borz’ can extend his reign and redefine what it means to dominate in the sport’s premier organization.