They no longer believe in Chimaev” – What made more than 80% of the audience turn their backs, placing absolute faith in Du Plessis to win?

The tides are shifting in the MMA world, and it’s happening faster than anyone expected. Once seen as the unstoppable force destined to dominate the UFC middleweight division, Khamzat Chimaev is now facing a startling shift in public perception. According to a recent fan poll making waves across social media, over 80% of MMA fans now believe that Dricus Du Plessis will defeat Chimaev and claim – or retain – the UFC title.

The numbers don’t lie. But what’s behind this sharp turn in loyalty? Has Chimaev truly lost his grip on fan trust? Or is Du Plessis simply tapping into something deeper – something emotional, cultural, even spiritual – that resonates more with today’s audience?

Let’s dive into the fan psyche and explore why Du Plessis is winning over hearts while Chimaev is, suddenly, on the defensive.

The Fall of a Belief: Why Faith in Chimaev Has Crumbled

There was a time when Khamzat Chimaev was treated like the second coming of Khabib – a relentless wrestler with terrifying power and a no-nonsense persona. But that image has started to crack.

Recent Inactivity and Health Concerns

One of the biggest red flags fans have pointed to is Chimaev’s inconsistency in appearances. Since 2022, his fights have been sporadic, with injuries and illnesses cited repeatedly. At UFC 294, he won against Kamaru Usman, but fans noted he looked visibly slower, less explosive, and lacking that signature “smash” style that once made him must-watch TV.

| FAN ON REDDIT: I used to watch Chimaev fights with my heart pounding. Now I’m just hoping he doesn’t gas out in Round 2.

Worse yet, rumors of long-term health issues – some even questioning if he has the cardio for five-round wars – have added to growing doubt. In a division that demands peak physical performance, fans can’t help but wonder: Is Chimaev physically past his prime without ever really reaching it?

Controversial Statements and Unfiltered Antics

Chimaev has always been brash, but what once came off as confidence now strikes many fans as arrogance or disrespect. His frequent clashes on social media, inflammatory statements about other fighters, and dismissive attitude toward UFC protocols have turned some supporters cold.

| MMA ANALYST: Chimaev’s persona used to be mystique and mystery. Now it’s just noise and drama.

When he skipped a media obligation, shrugged off weight cut warnings, and made cryptic threats to opponents, it didn’t feel calculated – it felt chaotic. And MMA fans, increasingly wary of “WWE-style” antics, have started favoring fighters who show grit, focus, and respect for the sport’s structure.

The Rise of Du Plessis: From Underdog to People’s Champ

So why is Dricus Du Plessis now being embraced as the new hope of the middleweight division?

Consistency and Grit

While Chimaev was navigating health concerns and stirring social media storms, Du Plessis was quietly (and then loudly) stacking wins against top-tier competition. His back-to-back victories over Derek Brunson, Robert Whittaker, and then Sean Strickland to claim the middleweight belt put him in a rare category: a fighter who actually delivers under pressure.

| DU PLESSIS: I don’t talk about wars – I show up and fight them.

There’s a rawness to his style that fans admire. His fights are messy, his striking isn’t always pretty, but his ability to adapt mid-fight and push through adversity is winning respect in a big way.

The “Authentic Fighter” Aura

In an age where some stars seem overly polished or artificially hyped, Du Plessis feels real. He speaks plainly, trains hard, and embraces his South African heritage unapologetically. He doesn’t chase viral moments – they come to him naturally.

| UFC COMMENTATOR: He’s not trying to be someone he’s not. That’s why fans connect with him.

This sense of authenticity is incredibly valuable in MMA today. When Du Plessis steps into the cage, people believe he’s representing something more than himself. That connection – cultural, emotional, symbolic – gives him a kind of warrior mystique that’s increasingly rare.

The Psychological Shift: Why Fans Choose Passion Over Power

So what really drives this 80% shift in support? Why would fans, who once cheered every Chimaev mauling, now line up behind Du Plessis?

Chimaev Feels Distant, Du Plessis Feels Human

Chimaev’s mystique, once his greatest weapon, now works against him. Fans don’t know what’s going on behind the scenes, and he rarely lets them in. His recent Instagram posts feel performative, his interviews evasive. There’s a growing disconnect.

| FAN COMMENT: Chimaev feels like a video game character now. Du Plessis? He’s the guy who could sit next to you at a bar and tell war stories.

Cultural Identity and Global Fan Connection

Du Plessis has tapped into a deeper cultural narrative. As a proud South African fighter, his rise resonates with fans across Africa and other emerging MMA markets. He doesn’t shy away from representing his country, his people, and even controversial historical discussions – and that courage earns him admiration.

Meanwhile, Chimaev, born in Chechnya, fighting out of Sweden, often seems caught between identities – a global citizen, yes, but one who rarely speaks about his roots in meaningful ways that fans can grasp.

| DU PLESSIS: I carry my flag into battle. Every time. That’s not politics – that’s pride.

Media Perception: The Power of Narrative

Let’s not ignore the media’s role in all of this. Over the last six months, MMA outlets, podcasts, and influencers have subtly shifted the tone around both fighters.

• Chimaev is now described as “mysterious,” “volatile,” and “uncertain.”

• Du Plessis is labeled “tough,” “reliable,” and “on the rise.”

This slow media drift has seeped into public perception. When fans hear Chimaev‘s name, they think of unpredictability and missed opportunities. When they hear Du Plessis, they think of hard-earned success and momentum.

What’s Next: The High-Stakes Future

If the UFC does book Du Plessis vs Chimaev – possibly for UFC 300 or 301 – the stakes will be sky-high. For Chimaev, it’s a shot at redemption, a chance to prove the doubters wrong. For Du Plessis, it’s an opportunity to validate the faith of millions.

But emotionally, it already feels like a symbolic fight: Power vs Purpose. Fireworks vs Fundamentals. Chaos vs Clarity.

And fans? They’ve made their choice – at least for now.

More than just a reflection of fight records or physical attributes, this fan shift reveals the evolving soul of MMA. Today’s fans want more than dominance – they want heart, authenticity, and meaning. Du Plessis represents all of that.

| DU PLESSIS: I’m not just here to win fights. I’m here to show what a fighter really is.

And in the eyes of 80% of fans, that statement hits harder than any punch Chimaev has thrown recently.

In the eyes of the masses, Chimaev is no longer the chosen one. Du Plessis hasn’t just earned his shot – he’s earned their trust.