UFC middleweight titleholder Khamzat Chimaev is not waiting long to find his next opponent following his one-sided win over Dricus Du Plessis in UFC 319. The undefeated champion already has his eyes on his first title defense and it could come sooner than anyone thought.
Khamzat Chimaev Claims UFC Middleweight Title at UFC 319
Khamzat Chimaev improved his perfect professional MMA record to 15-0, beating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319. Chimaev employed his world-class wrestling and constant pressure to close down Du Plessis’ striking attack, comfortably claiming the top of the UFC middleweight division.
This authoritative victory not only anointed Chimaev as the new middleweight champion but also quieted doubters who wondered if he could compete against elite competition at 185 pounds.
A Rapid Turnaround: Chimaev Targets UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi
Contrary to what many fresh champions with wins choose to do, taking long breaks, Khamzat Chimaev is demanding a quick turnaround. After winning his title, Chimaev spoke of his willingness to defend his belt at UFC 321, which is set for October 25 in Abu Dhabi.
Being a man known for his “anyone, anywhere, anytime” mentality, the Chechen-born Khimaz is upholding his tag by challenging a new and surprising challenger weeks after winning his title.
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From DDP to RDR: Chimaev Calls Out Reinier de Ridder
In a surprising twist, Khamzat Chimaev diverted attention away from Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) towards Reinier de Ridder (RDR), teasing his next victim through an enigmatic post on X (formerly Twitter).
De Ridder, ranked in the top 5 of the UFC middleweight division, is a former two-divisional champion in ONE Championship and made a quick impact in the UFC after a big victory against Robert Whittaker in July.
Reinier de Ridder: The ground war specialist
Reinier de Ridder is a threat for the middleweight division, he is a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and has finished most of his opponents via submission, making him one of the most dangerous ground fighters in the division.
Will Khamzat Chimaev’s Wrestling Reign Supreme Again?
As hype mounts on Chimaev’s maiden title defense, fans and pundits are already weighing in on the result. Will Khamzat Chimaev’s crushing wrestling game continue to overwhelm everyone in its path? Or will Reinier de Ridder’s globe-class submissions threaten Chimaev’s unbeaten streak? Either way, Chimaev vs de Ridder may set a new tone for the power structure in the middleweight division.
What’s Next for Khamzat Chimaev and the UFC Middleweight Division?
Even though the UFC hasn’t formally announced the fight, Chimaev’s callout of de Ridder has put a new level of excitement into the middleweight picture. The division has never been more competitive, and Khamzat Chimaev is ready to spearhead a new era of domination if he can continue the streak.
While fans eagerly look forward to UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, one thing is certain: Khamzat Chimaev is not slowing down, and his appetite to fight top-level competition is unparalleled.
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