Khamzat Chimaev Booed by Fans Despite Defeating Du Plessis at UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev is officially the new UFC middleweight champion, following a one-sided unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. The 31-year-old Chechen-Swedish fighter entered his first-ever UFC title fight as a heavy favorite, and he lived up to the odds by dominating nearly every round with his trademark wrestling and relentless pressure. Judges handed in 50-44 scorecards across the board, reflecting Chimaev’s complete control over the former champion.

However, despite his triumph, Chimaev’s performance has divided the MMA community. While he showcased unmatched grappling skills, many fans expressed frustration at his wrestling-heavy style, booing him during and after the fight, with social media flooded by complaints about his lack of striking exchanges and finishing intent.

Chimaev’s Game Plan: Relentless Wrestling

From the opening bell, Chimaev wasted no time establishing his strategy. After throwing a few range-finding strikes, he immediately shot for a takedown, grounding Du Plessis within the first minute. Once on top, Chimaev smothered the South African with heavy top pressure, looking to secure dominant positions. He nearly locked in a mounted crucifix in the first round, threatening serious ground-and-pound damage before Du Plessis escaped.

The pattern continued throughout the fight. Every round began with Chimaev forcing the champion to the mat. Du Plessis, known for his grit and resilience, tried to scramble and create space, but he repeatedly found himself dragged back down. In the second and third rounds, Chimaev chipped away with knees, short elbows, and body pressure, wearing down his opponent both physically and mentally.

By the third round, Du Plessis was visibly fatigued. His gas tank began to betray him, making it easier for Chimaev to secure takedowns and hold dominant positions. Chimaev once again worked into a mounted crucifix, opening up Du Plessis with sharp elbows that drew blood.

Du Plessis’ Late Push Falls Short

Despite being overwhelmed, Du Plessis never stopped trying. The South African showed his trademark toughness, fighting through exhaustion and attempting to mount comebacks in the later rounds. In the fourth, he briefly stuffed a takedown attempt and even forced a scramble. Referee Marc Goddard controversially stood the fighters up with a minute left, giving Du Plessis a rare chance to strike. But Chimaev quickly neutralized the opening, grounding him once again.

The fifth round saw Du Plessis take bigger risks, throwing a flying knee and unleashing wild punches in desperation. For a moment, the fight descended into chaos. Du Plessis attempted a rear-naked choke and later went for a last-ditch guillotine, but Chimaev stayed composed and escaped. By the end of the round, the new challenger was once again in top control, sealing his victory.

Chimaev’s Post-Fight Reactions

After the dominant win, Chimaev was visibly elated. Speaking inside the Octagon, he kept his comments straightforward:

“I’m happy, happy as always to get my money. Dana [White], send me my money, brother.”

He also offered praise for Du Plessis, acknowledging his toughness:

“That guy is strong, I couldn’t finish him. Respect to that guy. He’s a real lion, an African lion. Thank you, brother.”

While Chimaev celebrated his new belt, the reaction from fans was mixed. Many voiced disappointment at the fight’s lack of excitement, criticizing the one-dimensional approach.

Fans Boo Chimaev Despite Victory

Social media erupted shortly after the main event, with several fans slamming Chimaev’s style as “boring” and “ruining UFC.” One viewer wrote:

“I will never watch another Chimaev fight as long as I live. The most boring, overrated fighter ever.”

Another fan added:

“Bro, Chimaev is such a boring fighter. Fighters like him are ruining UFC.”

Despite the backlash, Chimaev remained unfazed. His focus was on the result: he entered UFC 319 as the challenger and walked out with the 185-pound title strapped around his waist.

What’s Next for Chimaev?

The win opens up a wide array of possibilities for the new champion. Potential challengers include Israel Adesanya, who may be eyeing a return to title contention, as well as rising contenders like Sean Strickland and Jared Cannonier. The UFC’s middleweight division remains stacked, and Chimaev now has a target on his back.

Whether fans love or hate his style, Chimaev has proven that his wrestling dominance can shut down even the toughest champions. The big question moving forward is whether someone in the division can neutralize his grappling and force him into a striking war.

Conclusion

Khamzat Chimaev’s victory at UFC 319 cements him as the new king of the middleweight division, but his reign begins with controversy. While undeniably dominant, his wrestling-heavy style has left fans divided, some praising his effectiveness while others call for more action and risk-taking inside the cage. Regardless of the criticism, one fact is clear: Chimaev is undefeated, unstoppable for now, and officially a UFC champion.