Khamzat Chimaev is here. On Saturday, Chimaev finally did what so many thought he would do years ago and claimed UFC gold, dominating Dricus du Plessis with one of the most impressive title challenger performances in years.

Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in the summer of 2020, finishing his first three opponents in barely two months with thrashing performances. He continued to pile up gaudy numbers, and even after injuries, illnesses and other factors slowed his roll, he remained undefeated and eventually made it to a title fight at last Saturday's UFC 319.

The main event of UFC Vancouver in October will pit Reinier de Ridder against Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, potentially offering a clue to Khamzat Chimaev ’s first challenger for the middleweight title.

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

Paulo Costa ripped Khamzat Chimaev's title-winning performance at UFC 319.

With fans and pundits expecting a period of dominance from the new middleweight champion, who – if anyone – can stop the Chimaev? And why might it be important that someone does?

Dana White announced that Reinier de Ridder will face Anthony Hernandez on October 18, with the result of this matchup and the main event of UFC Paris next month being used to decide the next challenger. One of the four fighters in the running to challenge Chimaev has already started to have some thoughts about how he would prepare for such a task.

Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) dominated Dricus Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) on the ground en route to a unanimous decision win in Saturday's main event at United Center in Chicago. Chimaev had over 21 minutes of control time on Du Plessis, and was showered with boos from the fans several times throughout the fight.

UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev may have his next opponent as soon as October 18. The promotion's fall schedule is continuing to take shape, and Tuesd