Chimaev Sends Message to Du Plessis After Destroying Him at UFC 319, SA Hails Him

Chimaev Sends Message to Du Plessis After Destroying Him at UFC 319, SA Hails Him

  • Khamzat Chimaev has reacted to his resounding victory against Dricus du Plessis at the 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, USA
  • Khamzat's message to DDP sparked reactions from netizens on social media, with most of them being congratulatory message

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Khamzat Chimaev has been crowned the new UFC middleweight champion after defeating Dricus du Plessis in their title bout at UFC 319 in Chicago on Sunday, August 17, 2025.

The Russian-born Emirati fighter dominated the entire five rounds of the bout as DDP lagged in the striking department, with the overall score being 529-45.

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.

Khamzat Chimaev shows respect to Dricus Du Plessis.
Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis talk after the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 319 event at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo: Ed Mulholland
Source: Getty Images

Chimaev reacts to fighting against Du Plessis

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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.
"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 new UFC middleweight champions garnered praise from netizens on social media.

Khamzat Chimaev reacts after beating Dricus du Plessis in Chicago.
Khamzat Chimaev sends a lovely message to Dricus du Plessis after their bout in Chicago. Photo: Geoff Stellfox
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:

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"Give him permanent South African citizenship and name a place PTA or CPT or Brakpan over him."

LeKhosiLaDrava commented:

"Congratulations to that campaign he did well to beat that Amerikaaner fighter 🎉🎊"

LaPolymath shared:

"Chimaev proved why he’s one of the most dominant forces in the UFC. Well done to him."

Max Maluleke responded:

"Congrats Khamzat, you have solved our problem here,this apartheid boy belongs to Texas with Steven Hofmeyer."

Junior Lekata mentioned:

"South Africa is proud of you🤘🔥🤣Thanks for beating that man, You drained that Aphertheid outta him. On to the next one."

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."

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.

Read also

"Things we love to see": Du Plessis trolled by SA fans despite post-fight message after Chimaev defeat

The Russian-born MMA star was expected to earn more as the winner of the title fight in the US, but reversed is the case on this one as the South African took home the larger share.

Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Raphael Abiola avatar

Raphael Abiola (Sports editor) Raphael Abiola is a Nigerian Sports Journalist with over seven years of experience. He obtained a B.Tech degree in Computer Science from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, in 2015. Raphael previously worked as a football editor at Stakegains (2016-2018) and a content editor with Opera News Nigeria (2018-2023). Raphael then worked as an Editor for the Local Desk at Sports Brief (2023-2024). Reach him via email at raphael.abiola@sportsbrief.com.

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