At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev delivered a commanding performance by defeating former middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, capturing the title in a grueling five-round battle. The fight took place on August 17, 2025, in Las Vegas, where Chimaev showcased his relentless wrestling ability, holding Du Plessis on the mat for nearly 22 minutes, and landing 12 of 17 takedowns throughout the 25-minute bout.
Du Plessis, known for his strong grappling skills, faced an unprecedented challenge as Chimaev maintained relentless pressure and delivered steady ground-and-pound offense without showing fatigue. This marked the first time Chimaev went the distance at championship intensity, proving his stamina and control in high-stakes situations.
Comparing Chimaev’s Grappling to Brock Lesnar’s Legacy
The dominant display by Chimaev sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many likening his wrestling style to that of former UFC heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar. However, seasoned journalist Luke Thomas downplayed this comparison during a recent live stream. He noted that while Chimaev’s raw power is impressive, Lesnar’s ground-and-pound was superior in both technique and finishing ability.
Brock Lesnar had better ground-and-pound than that. Although he had a lot of pitter-pat shots too.
—Luke Thomas, Senior Journalist
Thomas emphasized Lesnar’s capability to decisively finish opponents on the mat, contrasting it with Chimaev’s approach, which, though powerful, lacks the same level of surgical efficiency and submission threats.
The Context of Chimaev’s Growth in the UFC
Khamzat Chimaev’s rise has been marked by his aggressive wrestling and control, quickly establishing himself as a force in the UFC’s middleweight division. The victory over Du Plessis, a respected and tough opponent, affirmed his ability to endure and dominate throughout a full-length title fight. While his ground game is formidable, the ongoing comparison to legends like Brock Lesnar highlights areas where veterans still hold the upper hand.
Chimaev’s performance reflects a growing proficiency in combining high-level wrestling with striking and endurance. His nickname “Borz” hints at his ferocity, and he has shown remarkable improvements in his fight IQ and conditioning since entering the UFC spotlight.
Implications for Future UFC Middleweight Contenders
Chimaev’s championship win sends a clear message to the middleweight division: his wrestling control and pressure will be difficult for opponents to counter. However, the nuanced critique of his ground-and-pound compared to Lesnar’s underlines potential vulnerabilities that savvy competitors may seek to exploit going forward.
As Chimaev continues to build his legacy, observers will watch closely to see if he can refine his finishing skills on the ground, enhancing his ability to end fights decisively. For now, his endurance and dominance mark significant progress, but the question remains whether he can reach the elite ground game mastery that defined Lesnar’s reign.
The rivalry between wrestling powerhouses remains a compelling narrative in UFC, with Chimaev’s recent triumph offering hope and excitement for fans anticipating his next challenges within the sport.