India, Aug. 17 -- Khamzat Chimaev made his promotional debut in 2020, effectively establishing himself as a future UFC champion. It took him five years to live up to those early expectations.

At UFC 319 on Saturday night inside United Center, Chimaev (15-0) defeated Dricus Du Plessis (23-3) in a commanding performance to earn the middleweight title.

With 529 total strikes in a fight, Chimaev created the UFC record, while Du Plessis managed only 45. All three judges gave Chimaeva score of 50-44. Earlier in 2021, Max Holloway's victory over Calvin Kattar set the record with 447 total strikes.

"I am happy, always," Chimaev asserted. "I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym. That guy is strong. I couldn't finish....