Khamzat Chimaev dethroned UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis Saturday night, winning by unanimous decision in dominant fashion at the United Center in Chicago.
Chimaev, the 31-year-old Russian, controlled the fight with more than 10 takedowns and spent most of the bout on top of Du Plessis. On top while delivering knees and punches.
But there were a few tense moments in the fifth round, when Chimaev had to fight off a guillotine attempt – perhaps the only moment of danger he faced.
The judges scored it 50-44, 50-44, 50-44 for Chimaev, who improved to 15-0.
The crowd booed after a fight filled with wrestling and short on fisticuffs and kicks. Chimaev seemed unconcerned after the victory.
“Happy, happy always,’’ Chimaev said about how he felt after the fight. “Get my money. Dana (White), save my money, brother.’’
Chimaev also praised Du Plessis.
“That guy is strong to the finish,’’ he said. “… This guy had great heart.’’
Du Plessis lauded Chimaev.
“The man has incredible control on the top,’’ he said. “He’s just like a blanket. I mean, it wasn’t a matter of strength. He wasn’t that physical. It’s almost as if he knew what your next (move) was going to be.’’
Du Plessis, the 31-year-old from South Africa, failed to defend his UFC middleweight title for the first time in three tries as his record dropped to 23-3.
“At the end, I went for it, had the back,’’ Du Plessis said. “I could almost taste that victory. But big ups to (Chimaev), he beat me fair and square tonight. He was the better man.’’
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Round-by-round analysis
Dricus Du Plessis (DDP) looks to defend his middleweight title for the third time in a row and Chimaev looks to dethrone the champion, as the action begins. Chimaev initiates a chest bump during introductions? Wow!
Round 1
It’s Chimaev with a quick takedown! The chants go up: “Khamzat! Khamzat!’’ Chimaev delivering blows to the head with his left fist. Just pounding away and DDP looks to have no chance to move. But these punches lack force and he can’t free his right arm. The crowd boos. Chimaev still working with left hand. Now he frees up the right hand and scores as DDP squirms. Chimaev remains in total control but inflicting no serious damage. Chimaev throws some short rights and he remains in total control. DDP reverses! But Chimaev quickly back on top. Chimaev 10, DDP 9
Round 2
DDP smiles and accepts a neck hug from his trainer before Round 2 begins. DDP opens with a left kick and then takes a left kick. Chimaev with another quick takedown! Chimaev drilling DDP’s backside with his knee. Chimaev in control again from atop DDP’s back. They’re against the fence and Chimaev drives knees into DDP’s backside. The chants go up again: “Khamzat! Khamzat!’’ They love the Russian. Chimaev goes for the choke but DDP fights it off. Chimaev punches with the left hand and DDP looks immobile while taking knees to his backside. Using the knee and arms to keep DDP wrapped up. That backside is gonna be sore! The fighters slap hands as the round ends and they separate. Chimaev 20, DDP 18
Round 3
DDP unleashes a left kick and Chimaev scores a takedown less than 15 seconds into the round. DDP slaps his right hand against Chimaev’s head but now he’s too busy trying to survive. Chimaev is on top and in control. DDP’s knees look bruised and a little bloodied. Chimaev looking like a boa constrictor again. Chimaev pounding hard with his left fist after tying up DDP’s arms. DDP’s face bleeding now. DDP is almost immobilized and Chimaev pounds his elbow on DDP’s head and the punches are looking more and more vicious. A crucifix move is how Chimaev has immobilized DDP. Now Chimaev is looking for the choke, and DDP fights it off – but takes more head shots. DDP’s mouth and face are a mess. Chimaev 30, DDP 27
Round 4
Chimaev misses a takedown but simply goes for another – and down goes DDP. Twenty seconds elapse, and DDP is in the clutches of Chimaev again. He’s 7-for-8 on takedown attempts. This has been a mauling. DDP on his feet, and down he goes again. More blood. Chimaev tossing DDP around like a ragdoll. Well, a rather large ragdoll. Chimaev works DDP into the crucifix again. And again he’s on top and in control and trying to free his hands for punches. The referee separates the fighters. Yet another takedown. But DDP fends off the choke attempts. Chimaev 40, DDP 36
Round 5
DDP comes out with a bloody mouth and smile. DDP fires a couple of kicks and lands a right hand. But Chimaev scores another takedown 30 seconds into the round. DDP looks helpless. Does DDP have enough energy to fight back? DDP on his feet and Chimaev forces him to the mat almost as quickly. DDP reverses with just over two minutes left. Attempts a guillotine but Chimaev shakes loose and reverses. With 1:25 left, the ref stands them up. DDP lands a hard right and finds himself on top of Chimaev with 30 second left. DDP is on top but has no place to go as the round ends: Chimaev 49, DDP 46
No comments:
Post a Comment