UFC 319 was supposed to be the night Dricus Du Plessis proved he was the undisputed king of the middleweight division. And for three rounds, he did just that. The South African champion put on a vicious, methodical performance, culminating in a brutal knockout punch that dropped his opponent flat to the canvas. But any celebration was short-lived, as a bitter post-fight confrontation with rival Khamzat Chimaev turned the spotlight from triumph to tension.
Inside the cage, Du Plessis was dominant. Outside it, UFC 319 ended in chaos and controversy — and a clear signal that the storm between Du Plessis and Chimaev is far from over.
The Fight: Precision Meets Power
Du Plessis faced top contender Jared Cannonier in a fight that was expected to test his championship mettle. Instead, it became a clinic in calculated violence.
From the opening bell, Du Plessis used sharp jabs, brutal body kicks, and relentless pressure to push Cannonier backward. His timing was perfect, and he maintained distance with surgical precision. By the second round, he had already begun breaking down his opponent’s rhythm.
But it was in the third where the momentum peaked — and the arena erupted.
With just under two minutes left in Round 3, Du Plessis landed a perfectly timed overhand right that sent Cannonier crashing to the canvas, his body limp before he hit the mat.
Referee Marc Goddard stepped in immediately. No follow-up needed. It was a walk-off knockout worthy of a highlight reel — and a reminder that Du Plessis is one of the most dangerous strikers in the division.
Post-Fight Mayhem: Khamzat Chimaev Crashes the Celebration
Just moments after his hand was raised, and while still catching his breath, Du Plessis found himself facing off with none other than Khamzat Chimaev, who jumped the barricade and stormed into the octagon uninvited.
Security scrambled as Chimaev charged at Du Plessis, shouting in his face, while both corners collided in a chaotic scene. The broadcast team cut their mics as UFC President Dana White rushed cageside to prevent a full-on brawl.
“You’re next! You’re dead!” Chimaev screamed repeatedly, as officials tried to hold him back.
Du Plessis, never one to shy away from confrontation, stood his ground, jawing right back at the Chechen-born fighter.
“Come! You want this? Sign the contract, wolf boy!” Du Plessis yelled, visibly still amped from the knockout.
It was a volatile, unscripted moment — the kind that both the UFC and fans secretly crave.
Why the Bad Blood?
The animosity between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev has been building for months. Social media jabs, interviews filled with insults, and backstage tension have fueled the narrative that these two are destined for war.
Chimaev, who was originally expected to fight Du Plessis at UFC 319 but pulled out due to health concerns, now looks ready to return. But Du Plessis’ post-fight comments made it clear he’s not buying the excuses.
“I was ready to fight him tonight. He wasn’t ready. So he comes after the fight, when it’s over? That’s weak,” Du Plessis said in the post-fight press conference.
“If he wants this belt, he better come healthy. I’m not running. But next time he plays games, he won’t get the shot.”
What’s Next? Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Seems Inevitable
UFC matchmakers have a goldmine on their hands. With Du Plessis holding the belt and Chimaev positioning himself as the top contender, all signs point to a massive showdown later this year.
Dana White didn’t confirm anything officially post-fight, but he grinned when asked about the potential clash.
“You saw it. These guys want to kill each other. That’s your next main event,” White said with a smirk.
Fans are already clamoring for the bout — a stylistic clash between Du Plessis’ power and cardio and Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and aggression.
It has the makings of a grudge match for the ages.
Du Plessis: The Silent Destroyer No More
For much of his UFC run, Dricus Du Plessis has been somewhat underrated — a powerhouse, yes, but not always in the headlines. That’s changed.
With back-to-back wins over names like Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, and now a statement KO at UFC 319, Du Plessis has proven he’s not just a champion — he’s a problem.
Add to that his simmering hatred for Chimaev, and Du Plessis is no longer just a fighter to watch — he’s a star being forged in real time.
Final Thoughts: The Knockout Was Just the Beginning
What should have been a crowning moment for Dricus Du Plessis quickly morphed into a showdown that stole headlines worldwide. His crushing knockout of Jared Cannonier at UFC 319 reminded everyone of his talent. But the sudden intrusion by Khamzat Chimaev reminded the world that drama in the UFC doesn’t end with the final bell.
Now, the MMA world waits with bated breath. Will Chimaev get the next shot? Will Du Plessis stand tall again?
One thing is certain: UFC 319 was just the prelude. The war is still to come.
