Khamzat Chimaev secured a decisive victory at UFC 319, capturing the middleweight championship and positioning himself as a strong contender for the UFC’s pound-for-pound number one ranking. This win marks Chimaev’s fifteenth career victory, solidifying his status as an unbeaten fighter in the Octagon. By defeating defending champion Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev delivered a dominant performance that resulted in the first loss of du Plessis’ tenure in the promotion.
Chimaev’s rise through the ranks has been impressive, and his recent victory is likely to significantly impact the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings. Currently, Ilia Topuria holds the number one spot after his knockout win over Charles Oliveira earlier in the summer, which earned him the lightweight title. However, if the criteria for pound-for-pound rankings are applied strictly, Chimaev makes a compelling case for the top position.
Chimaev’s Dominance Across Weight Classes
Throughout his five-year career in the UFC, Khamzat Chimaev has competed successfully in multiple weight classes. Initially debuting in the middleweight division, he faced challenges cutting to welterweight, which limited his activity. Despite these obstacles, Chimaev demonstrated his versatility and skill by excelling in both divisions. Notably, he achieved a standout win against Gilbert Burns and showcased his finishing ability against Li Jingliang.
Chimaev’s recent performances have been marked by dominance, including a decisive win over Robert Whittaker, a former champion. His ability to compete effectively at both middleweight and welterweight further strengthens his argument for a higher ranking in the UFC’s pound-for-pound list.
Looking Ahead: Potential Future Fights
The middleweight division is poised to challenge Chimaev as contenders emerge. A significant matchup is scheduled next month, with Nassourdine Imavov facing Caio Borralho. The winner of this fight is expected to be the next challenger for Chimaev’s newly acquired title. A convincing victory over either opponent could enhance Chimaev’s standing in the rankings and solidify his claim to the pound-for-pound top spot.
Chimaev has expressed a desire to compete in both divisions, stating that he sees a potential matchup with Islam Makhachev as a path to secure the number one ranking. If Makhachev wins his upcoming fight, Chimaev believes that a bout between them could elevate his status in the UFC.
In a recent interview, Chimaev remarked, “We will see who will be the champion there [at welterweight]. It’s the fastest way [fighting Islam Makhachev] to get the pound-for-pound number 1.”
While it remains to be seen how the UFC’s ranking panel will respond to Chimaev’s impressive streak, his recent achievements and the compelling nature of his performances make him a strong candidate for the top position. As the UFC continues to evolve, Khamzat Chimaev stands out as a fighter who is committed to proving his worth against the best in the sport.
