Khamzat Chimaev’s Dominant Performance Over Dricus Du Plessis: A Masterclass in Grappling
Khamzat Chimaev’s victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 in August 2025 was a testament to his exceptional grappling skills. The undefeated Russian dominated the fight from start to finish, showcasing his expertise in chain wrestling and smothering top pressure. Chimaev’s performance was marked by 12 takedowns and a staggering 529 total strikes, leaving Du Plessis on the back foot for most of the bout.
Despite his control, Chimaev seldom pushed for a finish, instead relying on consistent ground-and-pound to wear down his opponent. This approach led some fans to brand the fight as boring, rather than the high-octane showdown it was billed to be. However, UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Michael Bisping strongly disagrees with this assessment.
Bisping, who has extensive experience in the world of mixed martial arts, argues that Chimaev’s performance was a masterclass in grappling. “Khamzat Chimaev dominated Dricus Du Plessis from start to finish,” Bisping said in a recent appearance on the JAXXON Podcast. “But that’s ‘boring, he was not trying to finish.’ He was trying to finish the whole time. It’s simply because of Dricus Du Plessis’ toughness that he was able to stay in the fight.”
According to Bisping, fans who criticized the fight for being boring failed to grasp the subtlety of Chimaev’s grappling control. “This is a masterpiece of grappling,” Bisping emphasized. “Khamzat Chimaev had Dricus in a crucifix for 22 minutes of control time. A lot of that time was spent in a crucifix, which is a finishing position. It’s only because Dricus Du Plessis was so good at burying his head, so the only target available was the top of his head. Ninety-nine out of 100 guys would have been finished in that position.”
Appreciating the Nuances of Grappling
Bisping’s comments highlight the importance of appreciating the nuances of grappling in mixed martial arts. While some fans may view a fight as boring if it doesn’t feature a dramatic knockout or submission, the technical aspects of grappling can be just as impressive. Chimaev’s ability to control Du Plessis for extended periods, using a variety of techniques to neutralize his opponent’s offense, is a testament to his exceptional skill and strategy.
As Bisping noted, Chimaev’s performance was a masterclass in grappling, showcasing his expertise in chain wrestling, smothering top pressure, and control. The fact that Du Plessis was able to survive the fight is a testament to his own toughness and resilience, rather than a criticism of Chimaev’s performance.
A New Era of Grappling in the UFC
Chimaev’s victory over Du Plessis marks a new era of grappling in the UFC, where technical skill and strategy are becoming increasingly important. As the sport continues to evolve, fans and commentators alike must adapt their expectations and appreciate the nuances of grappling. By recognizing the technical mastery displayed by fighters like Chimaev, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and its athletes.
In conclusion, Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant performance over Dricus Du Plessis was a masterclass in grappling, showcasing his exceptional skill and strategy. Rather than being boring, the fight was a testament to the technical aspects of mixed martial arts, highlighting the importance of appreciating the nuances of grappling. As the sport continues to evolve, it’s essential to recognize and appreciate the technical mastery displayed by fighters like Chimaev.
