Du Plessis (23-3 MMA, 9-1 UFC) was handily beaten by Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) in the form of a unanimous decision at United Center in Chicago, ending his reign as middleweight titleholder with two defenses under his belt.

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.