CHICAGO -- A record number of strikes and several submission attempts were enough for Khamzat Chimaev to win the UFC Middleweight Championship over Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319 on Saturday night.

By taking all three cards by 50-44 scores, the 31-year-old Russian remained unbeaten at 15-0 despite what was a largely supportive sold-out United Center crowd turning to jeers as the fight went on.

Chimaev also landed 529 strikes in the match, breaking Max Holloway's UFC record of 447 set in 2021, according to ESPN. His plus-484 striking differential also set a record, breaking Holloway's mark of plus-312 in that same 2021 match against Calvin Klatter.

The South African Du Plessis (23-3) was on the canvas within the match's first 10 seconds and the defending champion was

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