A Maybach for the Belt: How Chimaev Rose to the UFC Middleweight Throne

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Salid Martik
22/08/25
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31-year-old Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev sealed the biggest trophy of his career: at UFC 319 he defeated South African Dricus du Plessis and captured the middleweight title (up to 84 kg). The outcome — a unanimous decision from the judges and his 15th professional win with no losses. In honor of the triumph, Head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov presented his compatriot with a lavish gift — a Maybach automobile.

Championship Bonus: Kadyrov's Generous Gesture

The Maybach presentation became a symbol not only of the fighter’s personal success but also of the status of the Chechen MMA school. The gift underscores how highly the region values Chimaev’s path to the belt and his contribution to popularizing combat sports.

UFC 319 Title Decider

The clash with du Plessis, who had been leading the division, proved a maturity test for "Borz." Chimaev smartly mixed pressure along the fence, clinch work, and takedowns to the mat, disrupting his opponent’s tempo and initiative. The judges unanimously awarded the victory to the new king of middleweight — a result that drew no controversy among analysts.

Undefeated Champion and a Historic Milestone

Chimaev joined an elite group of fighters who claimed a UFC belt while remaining unbeaten: he became just the sixteenth champion in the promotion’s history with a zero in the loss column. For the UAE representative, this success cemented a perfect record and confirmed his status as one of the most formidable forces in global MMA.

Reaction and Emotion: Faith in "Borz" and the Role of the "Akhmat" Club

Commenting on the result, Ramzan Kadyrov highlighted Khamzat’s rapid rise to the top of the UFC and emphasized the contribution of the "Akhmat" club, whose fighters consistently perform at a high level. According to him, confidence in victory was absolute: he was anxious about the outcome, prayed for success, and proudly watched Chimaev impose his strength and break the opponent’s game plan.

What the Win Means for the Division

With the belt in Chimaev’s hands, the middleweight class gains extra intrigue. The new titleholder combines elite-level wrestling and athleticism with aggressive striking work, which promises spectacular title defenses. For challengers it is a gauntlet thrown; for fans it means high-stakes championship nights where "Borz" will be expected to reaffirm his status as a dominant champion.

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