The middleweight division used to be the playground of guys who liked to stand and trade. We saw Israel Adesanya pick people apart for years, and then Sean Strickland jabbed his way to a shocker in Sydney. But things have shifted. Hard. If you’re looking for who is the middleweight champion UFC, the name at the top of the mountain right now is Khamzat Chimaev.
He’s the king.
It feels weird to say after how long we waited for him to actually get a title shot, but "Borz" finally did it. He officially snatched the belt on August 16, 2025, at UFC 319 in Chicago. He didn't just win; he dominated Dricus Du Plessis over five rounds to take home a unanimous decision. It was a classic Khamzat performance—suffocating pressure, high-level wrestling, and that "I’m going to smash everybody" energy that he's been promising since 2020.
How Khamzat Chimaev became the middleweight champion UFC
Honestly, the path to the gold was a mess for a while. Chimaev had health issues, visa problems, and weight-cutting drama that made people wonder if he'd ever actually hold a belt. But by late 2025, the stars aligned.
Dricus Du Plessis was coming off a massive win in his rivalry with Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in early 2025. Dricus had essentially shut the door on that chapter by breaking Strickland's nose and winning a clear decision. He looked invincible. Then came Chimaev.
At UFC 319, Chimaev didn't give Dricus room to breathe. While Du Plessis is known for his awkward power and "gorilla" strength, Khamzat’s wrestling was just on another level. He controlled the South African on the mat for significant portions of the fight. By the time the final buzzer rang, there was no doubt. Khamzat was 15-0, and the middleweight division had a new, terrifying ruler.
The current state of the 185-pound rankings
The division is basically a shark tank right now. Even though Khamzat has the belt, the line of contenders behind him is moving fast.
- Nassourdine Imavov: This guy is arguably the most "ignored" elite fighter in the world. He had a massive 2025, knocking out Israel Adesanya in Saudi Arabia and then beating Caio Borralho in Paris. He's currently sitting at the #2 spot and is screaming for a title shot.
- Dricus Du Plessis: Still the #1 contender. He lost the belt to Khamzat, but you can’t count him out for a trilogy or a quick comeback.
- Sean Strickland: He's still around at #3, but he's got a tough fight coming up against Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez in February 2026.
- Anthony Hernandez: "Fluffy" is on an eight-fight win streak. People keep doubting him, and he keeps finishing people.
It's a weird time for the old guard. Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, the guys who defined this weight class for half a decade, haven't had a great run lately. Adesanya is actually scheduled to fight Joe Pyfer in March 2026, which is a massive "sink or swim" moment for the former champ.
The White House Super-Fight Rumors
Things are getting even crazier. Instead of defending against Imavov, Chimaev has been taking to social media to call out the Light Heavyweight champ, Alex Pereira.
👉 See also: Why Coaches Poll College Football Rankings Still Matter
There’s serious talk about a "UFC White House" card in June 2026. Chimaev wants to move up to 205 pounds and try to become a double-champ by taking on "Poatan." It’s a risky move. Usually, the UFC wants you to defend your belt at least once before you go chasing another one, but with Khamzat, the normal rules don't always apply. He's basically told the media he'll finish Pereira "fast" if they let the fight happen.
What's next for the middleweight title?
If you're tracking the belt, keep your eyes on the next few months. We’ve got Strickland vs. Hernandez in February and Adesanya vs. Pyfer in March. These fights will likely decide who gets the next crack at Khamzat—assuming he doesn't go off on a quest for the light heavyweight title first.
The division is no longer about point-striking and leg kicks. It’s back to being about raw power and wrestling dominance. Whether Chimaev can stay healthy enough to defend the belt three times a year is the real question everyone is asking.
Actionable Insights for UFC Fans:
- Watch the February 21 Fight Night: Strickland vs. Hernandez will likely determine the next official #1 contender if Chimaev stays at 185.
- Monitor the "White House" Card: If the Chimaev vs. Pereira super-fight is booked for June 14, 2026, an interim middleweight title might be introduced for Imavov.
- Check the Rankings Weekly: The gap between #2 and #7 is razor-thin; a single knockout from someone like Joe Pyfer could catapult them into the top five overnight.