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Khamzat Chimaev's stunning victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 has sent shockwaves through the middleweight division. The Swedish fighter secured a dominant decision win, claiming the title and leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what's next for 'The Borz.' But beyond the impressive performance, Chimaev has now revealed what he said to Du Plessis during their post-fight interaction.

The atmosphere at the UFC APEX was electric on Saturday night as Chimaev and Du Plessis battled it out for the coveted middleweight championship. Du Plessis, known for his aggressive striking and relentless pressure, was widely considered the favourite. However, Chimaev's relentless grappling and suffocating control proved too much for the South African. He consistently took Du Plessis down, controlling him on the ground and landing significant strikes. While the judges' scorecards reflected a close fight (48-47, 48-47, 49-46), the overall impression was one of Chimaev's sustained dominance.

Following the victory, cameras caught a brief exchange between Chimaev and Du Plessis. While the audio was initially unclear, Chimaev has since clarified what he communicated to his opponent. “I told him, ‘You’re tough, man. You’re a warrior. You’re a good fighter. But you’re not a champion’,” Chimaev stated in a post-fight interview. This comment, delivered with a mixture of respect and undeniable confidence, encapsulates Chimaev's perspective on the fight and his newfound status.

This isn’t the first time Chimaev has shown respect for his opponents, even in victory. He’s consistently praised the skill and determination of those he’s faced, while simultaneously asserting his own superiority. The message to Du Plessis reflects this pattern – acknowledging his opponent's qualities while firmly establishing his own championship credentials.

Looking ahead, Chimaev's victory opens up a host of intriguing possibilities. Speculation is already rife about potential future opponents, with names like Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland frequently mentioned. Adesanya, the former champion, has expressed interest in facing Chimaev, while Strickland, the current champion, presents a different stylistic challenge. Chimaev’s team has hinted at a desire for a fight with Adesanya, setting the stage for a potential super-fight that could draw massive attention.

The key to Chimaev's success lies in his well-rounded skillset. He possesses exceptional wrestling, impressive striking, and relentless cardio. His ability to seamlessly transition between striking and grappling makes him a nightmare matchup for any middleweight. And with his dominant performance against Du Plessis, he has firmly established himself as the man to beat in the division. The question now is: who will step up and try to dethrone 'The Borz'?

Ultimately, Khamzat Chimaev’s victory at UFC 319 was more than just a title win; it was a statement. A statement of dominance, a statement of respect, and a statement that he’s arrived as a true force in the middleweight division. And his words to Dricus Du Plessis –