Khamzat Chimaev Sends Strong Message to Doubters After Dominant UFC 319 Display originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Getty/UFC Arman Tsarukyan advised Khamzat Chimaev against striking at UFC 319. Chimaev challenged Dricus Du Plessis for the middleweight title in the main event at UFC 319 last weekend in Chicago. Tsarukyan was a part of Chimaev's camp under head coach Sam Calavitta and also served as his cornerman.

Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) joined an exclusive group of names to win undisputed gold with an undefeated record when he earned a lopsided unanimous decision victory over Du Plessis in the headliner at UFC Apex in Chicago. As a result, "The Wolf" starts a new era where, if he can keep healthy and compete regularly, has much potential for excitement.

Chimaev’s strategy against Du Plessis has been criticized by some, but not many have gone as far the champ’s longtime enemy, Paulo Costa, with their reactions. During an appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, the Brazilian boldly claimed that Chimaev could “kill” MMA if he repeats the manner in which he won on August 16.

Who should first challenge Khamzat Chimaev after his dominant UFC 319 title win? We attempt to sort out middleweight.

There are certain nights in the UFC where it feels like the sport shifts gears, and UFC 319 was one of them. After five years of hype, chaos and anticipation, Khamzat Chimaev finally claimed the undisputed middleweight crown and he did it in a way that suggested this might just be the beginning of a long, dominant era.

Currently, Ilia Topuria lays claim to the number one spot in the UFC’s rankings, gazumping rival Islam Makahchev with his emphatic knockout of Charles Oliveira earlier this summer. And striking his second Octagon belt with the victory, Spanish force Topuria won lightweight gold, having stopped the who’s who at featherweight to land the belt, too.

CHICAGO – Khamzat Chimaev beat Dricus Du Plessis soundly at UFC 319 on Saturday, and he wasn't afraid to let him know as he was doing it. Following his title-clinching victory at United Center, Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) what it was exactly that he told Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) as he cruised to a unanimous decision victory.