Khamzat Chimaev was essentially crowned a future UFC champion from the moment he made his promotional debut in 2020. Five years later, he finally made good on those early expectations. Chimaev (15-0) claimed the middleweight championship at UFC 319 on Saturday night inside United Center in a dominant showing over Dricus Du Plessis (23-3).

Khamzat Chimaev earned more than just the gold when he secured a unanimous decision over Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319.

Dricus Du Plessis made no excuses after losing his title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 and said the new champ "deserves it."