Khamzat Chimaev delivered an extraordinary performance at UFC 319 last weekend, landing 574 strikes against Dricus du Plessis in the middleweight championship fight. This near-record number of strikes has caused Max Holloway to worry about the longevity of his own UFC strike record. Holloway currently holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in a single UFC fight with 581 strikes, achieved during his win over Calvin Kattar in 2021.
Reacting to Chimaev’s pace in a recent video on his YouTube channel, Holloway openly expressed his concern about losing the record to the rising star.
“He’s going to beat me for the most significant strikes landed. He’s going to have a thousand, and no one’s ever going to beat him. Unreal!”
—Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
Holloway’s Earlier Prediction on Chimaev’s Bout with Robert Whittaker
Before Chimaev’s dominant win over Du Plessis, he had faced former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. The matchup attracted considerable attention, with many experts, including Holloway, doubting Chimaev’s ability to sustain his performance over five rounds against a seasoned opponent.
During an appearance on the MIGHTYcast podcast, Holloway shared his insights about Chimaev’s chances going into the fight, focusing on endurance and experience differences.
“It’s a five-rounder. We’ve seen Khamzat get tired in three rounds, he should be training for five rounds, we all know. But it’s still his first one. Robert’s been fighting five rounds forever, that guy is just a vet. A legend, an OG of the sport. I think if he goes out there with that anti-wrestling mindset and doesn’t get held down too much, I think he can land something.”
—Max Holloway, UFC Fighter
Despite these concerns, Chimaev secured a submission victory against Whittaker early in the first round with a rear-naked choke, proving his dominance in that fight.
What Chimaev’s Rise Means for UFC Records and Future Fights
Khamzat Chimaev’s uncanny pace and striking volume continue to challenge historical UFC benchmarks, pushing fighters like Max Holloway to reconsider the durability of their records. As Chimaev continues to compete and possibly accumulate even more significant strikes, the UFC community anticipates potential shifts in how remarkable single-fight striking performances are perceived.
This development also puts a spotlight on Chimaev’s training and conditioning, especially as he moves toward longer fights and more challenging opponents. For Holloway, who’s long been a measuring stick for strike volume in UFC history, this may mark a turning point where his once untouchable record faces a genuine threat.