Chimaev Sends Message to Du Plessis After Destroying Him at UFC 319, SA Hails Him
- Russian-born MMA star Khamzat Chimaev has reacted to his resounding victory against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 as he's being crowned the new middleweight champion
- The Emirati fighter sends a lovely message across to the South African after destroying him in the octagon in Chicago, United States of America
- Khamzat's message to Du Plessis sparked reactions from netizens on social media, with most of them being congratulatory messages
Khamzat Chimaev has been crowned the new UFC middleweight champion after defeating Dricus du Plessis in their title bout at UFC 319 at the United Centre in Chicago on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
The bookies and several pundits named Khamzat the favourite even before the fight, and he delivered with his unique style, which Du Plessis had no answers to.
Source: Getty Images
The Russian-born Emirati fighter dominated the entire five rounds of the bout as Du Plessis lagged in the striking department, with the overall score being 529-45.
Chimaev reacts to fighting against Du Plessis
In a viral video online, Chimaev sends a message to DDP after dominating him during their title bout this weekend in the United States of America.
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The Emirati fighter claimed he never had a game plan before the fight, but he has huge respect for Du Plessis as he's very strong and has a good heart.
"I am happy, always," Chimaev said while being interviewed after the bout.
"I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym. That guy is strong. I couldn't finish. I respect that guy. He is the only champion who would say my name. This guy has a big heart."
The comments from the newly crowned UFC middleweight champions garnered praise from netizens on social media.
Source: Getty Images
What are netizens saying about Chimaev's reaction?
sanizwe said:
"Excellent job, Khamzat 🏆 South Africa is proud of you."
Schulk Whitefield wrote:
"We stand with Khamzat! Congratulations champ! 😂🤘🏽"
pro_kid reacted:
"Give him permanent South African citizenship and name a place PTA or CPT or Brakpan over him."
LaPolymath shared:
"Chimaev proved why he’s one of the most dominant forces in the UFC. Well done to him."
Junior Lekata mentioned:
"South Africa is proud of you 🤘🔥🤣 Thanks for winning the bout."
abusadiqng added:
"What a guy, despite their bad blood since the announcement of the fight he still had the time pay huge respect to DDP... I hope he defends his title in his next fight."
Mzulu__ commented:
"South Africans are proud of you Khamzat."
How much Du Plessis earned compared to Chimaev
Briefly News previously reported that Dricus du Plessis earned more amount of money compared to Khamzat Chimaev even after the South African fighter lost his middleweight title belt to the challenger.
The Russian-born MMA star was expected to earn more as the winner of the title fight in the US, but the reverse is the case on this one as the South African took home the larger share.
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Source: Briefly News
