Who Is Khamzat Chimaev? Unbeaten UFC Star Set to Face Dricus du Plessis for Title

Who Is Khamzat Chimaev? Unbeaten UFC Star Set to Face Dricus du Plessis for Title

  • The undefeated fighter (14-0) burst onto the UFC scene in 2020 and quickly gained a reputation for finishing opponents with brutal efficiency, including a 17-second KO and a recent submission win over Robert Whittaker
  • Born in Chechnya and developed in Sweden, Chimaev now fights out of the UAE, representing a new flag while maintaining his aggressive, fearsome style
  • Chimaev faces South African champion Dricus du Plessis in a clash of contrasting styles — raw power vs calculated grit — with national pride and legacy on the line

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Khamzat Chimaev has become one of the most feared names in the UFC. With an unbeaten 14-0 record, the Chechen-born fighter has bulldozed his way through opponents with ruthless efficiency — and now, he’s officially set to face Dricus du Plessis for the UFC middleweight title in 2025.

He exploded onto the scene in 2020, winning two fights in just ten days. His blend of world-class wrestling and striking power has made him a nightmare for anyone in the octagon.

Unbeaten and undeterred — Chimaev stares down his next challenge in du Plessis
Khamzat Chimaev celebrates after another dominant win, eyes firmly on UFC gold. Image: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Source: Getty Images

Chimaev moves from Chechnya to global fame

Born in Chechnya, Chimaev relocated to Sweden in 2013 and honed his skills at Allstars Training Center. He now fights out of the UAE and represents the country in global MMA events. His rise has been fast, brutal, and unforgettable.

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Chimaev's highlights include a 17-second knockout .

Chimaev stunned the MMA world with a 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert, followed by a first-round submission of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. The message was clear — he’s not here to play.

South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis, the reigning middleweight champion, remains confident ahead of their title bout. With a 23-2 record, he recently defeated Sean Strickland in a five-round war. He’s called Chimaev a “fake boogeyman” and believes experience and heart will prevail.

All eyes on a clash of titans

The fight will be a stylistic clash. Chimaev’s chaos vs du Plessis’ composure. One thrives on quick finishes, the other on deep waters. The middleweight division has never felt this intense.

Will Chimaev’s reign of terror continue?

Victory would crown Chimaev as champion. But du Plessis is not just defending a title — he’s defending national pride. It’s more than a belt. It’s a war for legacy.

The Chechen storm is coming — Chimaev prepares to battle South Africa’s champion
Khamzat Chimaev roars after a statement finish, setting up a title clash with du Plessis. Image: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Source: Getty Images

Tale of the Titans: Du Plessis vs Chimaev

Dricus du Plessis Record: 23–2–0 UFC record: 8–0 Wins by KO/TKO: 9 Wins by Submission: 11 Notable wins: Adesanya, Strickland, Whittaker

Du Plessis is a versatile finisher. He’s beaten elite names with both hands and heart. The South African champ thrives in deep waters and doesn’t back down.

Khamzat Chimaev Record: 14–0–0 Wins by KO/TKO: 6 Wins by Submission: 6 Notable wins: Usman, Whittaker, Burns

Chimaev is pure destruction. Undefeated and unrelenting, he finishes fast and dominates on the ground. Every fight is a statement.

Styles make fights

Du Plessis brings precision and pace. Chimaev brings chaos and control. One defends a legacy. The other chases history.

Reinier de Ridder picks Du Plessis over Chimaev

Briefly News previously reported that a potential UFC showdown between South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis and unbeaten contender Khamzat Chimaev is generating major buzz in the MMA world.

Two-division ONE champion Reinier de Ridder, who has trained with both men, believes du Plessis could shock Chimaev thanks to his unpredictable style, elite stamina, and ability to thrive in deep waters. With both fighters climbing the UFC ranks, their clash could reshape the middleweight title picture.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Ncube Harrison avatar

Ncube Harrison (Sports Editor) Harrison Ncube is a passionate sports journalist with six years of experience covering African and global sports. Harrison provides sharp analysis, engaging commentary, and compelling storytelling. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies from the Zimbabwe Open University and previously worked at Sports Buzz (2018–2022), freelanced for Sports Journal (2023–2024), and contributed to Radio 54 African Panorama Live (2021–2023). For inquiries, reach him at ncube.harrison@briefly.co.za