“Khamzat has him crucifixed. DDP is bucking,” journalist Nolan King tweeted as the Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight at UFC 319 unfolded inside the United Center in Chicago in front of 20,023 fans. That single post, fittingly, summed up the entire bout. From the opening bell, ‘Borz’ imposed his will, smothering ‘Stillknocks’ with relentless takedowns and suffocating top control. Du Plessis had little to offer against Chimaev’s grappling clinic.

The Chechen native completed 12 of 17 takedown attempts, repeatedly trapping his opponent in a crucifix and unleashing strikes. Each time the South African found the faintest rhythm, Khamzat Chimaev immediately shut it down—dragging him back to the canvas and pinning him with knees across the back, waist, and legs. The result was

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