What prevented Khamzat Chimaev from finishing Dricus Du Plessis despite the utter domination? "A lot of mistakes," according to Kamaru Usman.

Chimaev’s strategy against Du Plessis has been criticized by some, but not many have gone as far the champ’s longtime enemy, Paulo Costa, with their reactions. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Brazilian boldly claimed that Chimaev could “kill” MMA if he repeats the manner in which he won on August 16.

Newly-crowned middleweight champion, Khamzat Chimaev, returned home to United Arab Emirates (UAE) following his Dricus du Plessis victory atop the UFC 319 pay-per-view (PPV) event last weekend in Chicago.

CHICAGO – Khamzat Chimaev beat Dricus Du Plessis soundly at UFC 319 on Saturday, and he wasn't afraid to let him know as he was doing it. Following his title-clinching victory at United Center, Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) what it was exactly that he told Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) as he cruised to a unanimous decision victory.

Dana White announced that Reinier de Ridder will face Anthony Hernandez on October 18, with the result of this matchup and the main event of UFC Paris next month being used to decide the next challenger. One of the four fighters in the running to challenge Chimaev has already started to have some thoughts about how he would prepare for such a task.

It may have taken Khamzat Chimaev nine fights and over five years to finally become a UFC champion but his star power was recognized long before he had a belt around his waist. Bursting on the scene during the global pandemic,

On the latest episode of "Spinning Back Clique" our expert panelists review Khamzat Chimaev's big title win, PFL results and more.

The last UFC pay-per-view event of the summer produced a new champion and exciting opportunities for more fireworks to end 2025.