Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision to become the new UFC Middleweight champion at the United Center on Sunday morning.

Gallery: Chimaev dominates Du Plessis to win UFC Middleweight title

The South African entered this fight on an 11-fight winning streak, while Chimaev came in unbeaten in 14 fights.

Chimaev took down du Plessis within the first 10 seconds of the fight and almost completed every takedown he attempted.

The 31-year-old dominated the fight with takedowns and spent most of the bout on top of Du Plessis while delivering knees and short punches while on top of the South African.

Despite Chimaev’s dominance in every round, a spirited Du Plessis found himself in an advantageous position after he stuffed a takedown and nearly sealed a naked choke, but he failed to capitalise on the opportunity as Chimaev held on to win the bout after the final bell sounded.

The judges ultimately scored it 50-44, 50-44, and 50-44 in favour of Chimaev, who ended Du Plessis’ title reign after two successful defences, thereby improving his undefeated run to 15-0.

Image: UFC