Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) boogeyman Khamzat Chimaev captured Middleweight gold at UFC 319 last night (Sat., Aug. 16, 2025) by completely dominating former 185-pound kingpin Dricus du Plessis, winning via unanimous decision inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois (watch highlights).
In the lead-up to this blockbuster title fight, Chimaev hinted that a victory would see him return for UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Now, with the belt in hand, he’s ready to make it happen.
“We’ll see what UFC says,” Chimaev said during the UFC 319 post-fight press conference (watch it here). “I’m ready. I have no injuries. Thank God.”
“I just had a kid fight on Tuesday, and then come and fight here,” White said. “Abu Dhabi? I would definitely consider it….I’m waiting for Tuesday [to decide matchmaking].”
Chimaev winning the title and turning around for UFC 321 seems like a long shot given his recent inactivity, but if “Borz” is truly healthy, he’s the fighter to pull it off—and quiet his doubters.
The question is: who’s next? The Middleweight division is stacked, with Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, Anthony Hernandez, and Reinier de Ridder all vying for a shot. It’ll come down to timing and who steps up first.
That is if Chiamev really goes fight again in two months.
For more UFC 319 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.