Khamzat Chimaev’s Three-Belt Conquest: Can He Make UFC History?

In what is poised to be a career-defining moment, Khamzat Chimaev is ready to make UFC history. The undefeated Chechen superstar is set to challenge reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 in Chicago on August 16. Chimaev’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, and this title shot represents the first major hurdle in his ambitious plan to become the first-ever three-division champion in the promotion’s history.

The Meteoric Rise of “Borz”

Since bursting onto the scene in 2020, Khamzat Chimaev has captivated the MMA world with his aggressive and dominant fighting style. He exploded onto the UFC scene by securing three victories in just eight weeks, quickly establishing himself as one of the most feared prospects in the sport.

Despite facing significant setbacks, including a serious illness and well-documented struggles with weight cutting, Chimaev’s path to the top never wavered. His elite-level victories over former champions like Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker cemented his status as a legitimate title contender in the middleweight division, setting the stage for this high-stakes showdown.

The Championship Hurdle: Dricus du Plessis

The challenge that awaits Chimaev is Dricus du Plessis, a champion known for his unique and unconventional style. While Chimaev has described du Plessis’s fighting approach as “weird,” he has also acknowledged the champion’s effectiveness, making this a fascinating stylistic matchup.

This bout is not just about a title; it’s a pivotal moment that could reshape Chimaev’s entire legacy. A victory over du Plessis would not only crown him as the new middleweight king but also kickstart his journey toward conquering two more weight classes.

Chimaev’s Three-Division Dream

Chimaev has been very vocal about his desire to secure championships at three different weight classes. His plan is to first defeat du Plessis, then potentially move back down to the welterweight division to challenge current champion Jack Della Maddalena. He also has his sights set on the light heavyweight title, demonstrating an unprecedented level of ambition and confidence. Whether he can successfully navigate the challenges of three different divisions remains to be seen, but the journey begins on August 16.