Hamzat Chimaev did what he spoke loudly a few years ago – became the UFC champion. On the night of August 16 to 17, in Chicago in the United Center arena, he went out into the octagon against the South African Drikus Du Plessi and confirmed the status of one of the most dangerous fighters of the planet. Five rounds of total dominance in the struggle and unanimous decision of the judges – 50:44, 50:44, 50:44.

After the battle, Chimaev did not hide emotions.

– I won every minute of this battle, except for the last. Of course I am happy. This belt is very important for my country. I will not say that there was some special plan for the battle. I just walked forward, worked like in the hall. He is a real lion, ”Hamzat said after the fight.

Hamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessi / Photo: © Geoff Stellfox / Stringer / Getty Images Sport / Gettyimages.ru

Thus, the 31-year-old Chimaev remained undefeated in MMA (15-0) and deprived Du Plessis in the middle weight.

The reaction to Chimaev’s conquest

Now the ex-champion Du Plegessa recognized the strength of the opponent and promised to return.

– He simply incredibly controlled the course of the fight. It seemed that he was predicted by every next step. I fought, fought. Now the thoughts are only about one thing – I’m going to return my belt. Thanks to everyone for support. I will return even more, ”said Du Plessi after the battle, which was broadcast on the“ Match TV ”air.

The scandalously famous Irishman Conor McGregor did not stand aside. The former UFC champion in two categories emotionally noted the historical moment.

– The first UFC champion from Chechnya! Congratulations! – wrote in social networks McGregor.

Dricus du Plessat and Hamzat Chimaev / Photo: © Cooper Neill / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.ru

Chimaev himself did not forget about the main person in his life. Immediately after the victory, he called his mother and touched the fans to the core, bringing some to tears.

“Your son is going home, just don’t cry.” I said that the world will turn over for you. Now your son is the world champion, ”Chimaev said during a conversation with his mother.

UFC President Dane White is already thinking about the future of a new champion and hinted at the possible protection of the Abu Dhabi title. According to journalist Aaron Bronsteter, White said that he would consider organizing such a battle in Abu Dabi on October 26, but is waiting for Tuesday before discussing anything like that.

MMA veteran Alexei Oleinik admitted that he believed in Chimaev’s victory, and noted the progress of the fighter

– I put on Hamzat. I hoped that our fighter would win. All the same, we attribute him to our compatriot. Therefore, I am satisfied and glad that we had another UFC champion. According to charisma, pressure, technology and in general, he was more than shown in the last fights of Chimaev, he was stronger, ”said Oleinik“ Match TV ”.

At the same time, Oleinik warned against excessive advances.

– Probably, now there is no need to talk about this (about Chimaev’s chances to become the largest star in the history of UFC – approx.). You need to do more, not to speak. But the beginning is very cool, ”said Oleinik“ Match TV ”.

Hamzat Chimaev / Photo: © Cooper Neill / Contributor / UFC / Gettyimages.ru

But the American fighter Sean Stickland believes that only he can now impose the struggle of Chimaev.

“I am probably the only UFC who can fight him five rounds … But, it seems, I need to arrange a few victories to happen,” he wrote on social networks.

Russian fighter Magomed Ismailov also congratulated Chimaev on the victory.

– Now Hamzat is the UFC champion, and it pleases me so much. He just moved the champion and took the belt, – wrote Ismailov in the Telegram channel.

See direct broadcasts of the UFC tournaments on the TV channels “Match TV” and “Match! Fighter ”, as well as on Matchtv.ru and Sportbox.ru sites.