Watch: Khamzat Chimaev receives hero’s welcome in Abu Dhabi after being crowned UFC middleweight champion

Khamzat Chimaev is now a national hero as he took to the skies following UFC 319 and his dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis in Abu Dhabi. Fans were excited to welcome the 28-year-old man into his first home in the UAE after his historic achievement, after the new UFC champ recently moved to the country.

His dominant showing in Chicago not only culminated in him reclaiming the middleweight strap but also solidified his position as the most dangerous man in the sport today.

Khamzat Chimaev delivers record-breaking performance at UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev faces the then-middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. Chimaev won every round, landing 12 of 17 takedowns and owning the octagon for more than 20 minutes of fighting from the outset.

He landed 529 strikes to just 45 for du Plessis, and all three judges scored the bout 50-44 in favour of Whittaker.

Chimaev not only claimed a middleweight title with the win, but he also set a new UFC record for total control time in a middleweight fight with this victory. His striking skills, coupled with his wrestling prowess, have been praised by fans and analysts alike, a testament to his work ethic and preparation.

Fans swarm Abu Dhabi to celebrate Khamzat Chimaev’s triumph

Chimaev was welcomed back to Abu Dhabi with a grand cheering crowd. Social media was flooded with videos showing supporters chanting for him, waving flags, and celebrating as winners on various media platforms.Also Read: Dricus Du Plessis gets heartfelt support from fiancee Vasti Spiller after UFC 319 loss to Khamzat ChimaevThe celebration highlighted not just how close he felt to the UAE, but the increasing prominence of MMA and the sport's international appeal and impact more broadly within the region. Given Chimaev’s local success, it is indeed a good deal of local pride for many of his fans, and his hero welcome signifies the loyalty he garnered after moving to Sweden.

What’s next for UFC’s new middleweight champion?

Chimaev's already eyeing his first title defense following his 15-0 collision. He has shown a willingness to fight at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25, 2025. Chimaev suffered no such sweat and is in extraordinary shape.Chimaev, as his fans know, hails from war-torn Chechnya and has fought his way to the top of the UFC, while mixed martial arts has become a global phenomenon, reaching all corners of the globe and uniting people across borders with a shared passion akin to football/soccer. Not only does his recent win and now a hero's welcome mark it as a milestone for his career, but a clear indication that his rising star is one of the sport's most exciting champions to view at present.