Khamzat Chimaev‘s pound-for-pound rise accelerated dramatically following his victory for the UFC middleweight title at UFC 319, held this past Saturday in Chicago. By successfully defeating Dricus Du Plessis, Chimaev secured the 185-pound championship and silenced doubts regarding his stamina and ability to perform at the highest level.
Despite concerns about his cardio beforehand, Chimaev dominated the fight for over 20 minutes, establishing himself as the new middleweight champion. However, some criticism surfaced regarding his fight style, with Du Plessis’ head coach referring to the match as “boring.”
From Underestimated Contender to Top-Tier UFC Fighter
With an undefeated record now standing at 15-0, Chimaev has been a near-unstoppable force throughout his UFC career. His dominant wrestling approach mirrors that of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, relying on control and physical superiority to outmatch opponents decisively. This approach has earned Chimaev immense respect within the sport.
Before this latest event, Chimaev was positioned 14th in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings, trailing fighters such as Tom Aspinall, Arman Tsarukyan, and Belal Muhammad. The outcome of UFC 319 led to a stunning advancement, propelling him up ten places to number four on the list, now trailing only Merab Dvalishvili, Islam Makhachev, and Ilia Topuria.
New UFC middleweight champ Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) makes MASSIVE move up pound-for-pound list, rising TEN spots to No. 4 after #UFC319.Dricus Du Plessis falls seven spots to No. 11.Charles Oliveira falls off list and is replaced at No. 15 by Shavkat @Rakhmonov1994. pic.twitter.com/XuFl2aoJKx — John Morgan, MMA Journalist
High-Profile Support Emerges from Elite Fighters
In the wake of his middleweight title capture, Chimaev has garnered notable recognition from his peers, including Jon Jones, widely considered one of the greatest in mixed martial arts history. Jones has expressed admiration for Chimaev’s performances and indicated interest in training with him, highlighting the respect Chimaev now commands within elite circles.
This potential collaboration could arise as Jones contemplates a return to competition in 2026, signaling exciting possibilities for both fighters and the sport’s landscape.
Implications for Chimaev’s UFC Legacy and Future Outlook
Khamzat Chimaev’s rapid ascent in the pound-for-pound rankings underscores his status as one of the UFC’s most formidable talents. By capturing the middleweight title and climbing to the fourth spot globally, he has positioned himself for continued influence within the sport’s upper echelons. His wrestling-focused approach and undefeated streak suggest that he could define a new era of dominance.
As he faces increased scrutiny and rising expectations, Chimaev’s next fights and potential rivalries will be crucial in shaping his lasting legacy and confirming the sustainability of his current momentum in the UFC.