Khamzat Chimaev Dominates at UFC 319 — But Fans and Fighters Slam ‘Boring’ Style

At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev delivered a dominant wrestling clinic to defeat Dricus du Plessis and claim the UFC Middleweight Championship. Despite a clean sweep on all three judges’ scorecards (50-44), the performance sparked widespread backlash from fans and fellow fighters alike.

Chimaev executed a smothering game plan, landing 12 of 17 takedowns and racking up over 500 total strikes while maintaining near-constant control on the ground. Yet for many viewers, the lack of danger, drama, or a finish made the five-round fight a hard watch.

**“Nobody Wants to Watch This Sh*t”**

As the decision was announced, a chorus of boos echoed around the United Center. On social media, fighters and fans didn’t hold back their frustration.

Paulo Costa posted bluntly:
“NO ONE WANTS TO WATCH THIS SHT. Ppl booing in the arena and at bar.”*
Nate Diaz, never one to sugarcoat things, simply commented:
“Can’t fight.”
Belal Muhammad added his take with a jab at Chimaev’s activity level:
“Guys, he fought a striker who doesn’t grapple and didn’t do any damage.”
Chris Curtis chimed in with a sarcastic nod to Chimaev’s safety-first approach:
“Smother blanket. Zero danger. Congrats though.”

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Fans Divided on Chimaev’s Legacy

While some praised Chimaev’s technical brilliance, others compared the bout to a wrestling seminar lacking in MMA excitement. The criticism raises questions about how much entertainment value should weigh against pure effectiveness in title fights.

Chimaev may have captured the belt, but he’ll need to address the growing scrutiny if he hopes to win over the fans—and silence the doubters.