Khamzat Chimaev has been crowned the UFC's new middleweight champion following a decisive unanimous decision victory over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. Despite securing the 185lbs strap with dominant 50-44 scorecards, his wrestling-heavy performance was met with a chorus of boos from the MMA fans, who expressed their dissatisfaction with his style.

From the outset, Chimaev, making his maiden title fight appearance as a significant favorite, was relentless with his takedown attempts. He successfully grounded the South African champion, Dricus Du Plessis, in the first round, maintaining suffocating top pressure. Du Plessis remained calm under the onslaught but found himself in precarious positions, including a mounted crucifix. Although he managed to escape these, he remained under Chimaev's control for the majority of the round, with Chimaev securing another takedown just before the horn.

The second round saw Chimaev continuing his dominant strategy, securing a double leg takedown after a brief exchange of body kicks. He methodically chipped away at Du Plessis with knees to the body, waiting for an opening. Du Plessis, despite being on his back for much of the round, demonstrated resilience. By the third round, Du Plessis appeared visibly fatigued, which seemed to facilitate Chimaev's easiest takedown of the fight just seconds into the round. Chimaev again achieved a mounted crucifix, landing short elbows that bloodied the champion, though Du Plessis continued to protect his head.

In the fourth round, Du Plessis managed to stuff a takedown for the first time but was eventually grounded again by Chimaev's persistent efforts. A momentary respite came when referee Marc Goddard bizarrely separated the fighters, but Chimaev quickly re-established ground control after eating a body kick. The fifth round saw Du Plessis come out swinging, attempting a laboured flying knee and letting his hands go, but Chimaev took him down for the umpteenth time within 30 seconds. Du Plessis briefly got back to his feet and even found himself on top, attempting a 'Hail Mary' guillotine choke, which Chimaev successfully defended. After another separation by Goddard, Du Plessis landed a couple of hard shots and attempted a rear-naked choke, but Chimaev defended it and finished the fight in top control.

Despite his comprehensive victory, the fan reaction was largely negative. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with criticism regarding Chimaev's