The upcoming Khamzat Chimaev UFC middleweight title fight against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 has sparked intense backlash after WWE took to social media to promote the event. With the pay-per-view just weeks away, fans expressed frustration and confusion over WWE’s involvement in promoting a pure MMA fight, revealing underlying tension between the audiences of the two sports-entertainment giants.
The mixed reaction comes months after UFC and WWE merged under the umbrella of TKO Group Holdings, which left fans wondering if cross-promotional activities would increase. Dana White, UFC’s CEO, once assured viewers that the two companies would operate independently, emphasizing,
“There are no pre-determined outcomes in the UFC. So, there won’t really be any type of crossovers,”
—Dana White, UFC CEO. However, despite this, the WWE has recently begun promoting UFC events, including the high-profile Chimaev versus Du Plessis headliner, triggering widespread fan disapproval.
Why Fans Are Upset Over WWE’s Promotion of the UFC Middleweight Title Fight
When WWE posted about the upcoming UFC 319 fight on their official social media, the backlash was immediate and fierce. Many fans questioned whether the WWE account had been hacked, with one fan commenting,
“Wth is happening was this paged hacked,”
—Anonymous Fan. Others dismissed the promotion as fake, unaware of the two brand’s corporate connection. However, the majority of reactions expressed outright anger toward WWE’s promotion of what many view as a sport that demands authenticity and a strict separation from scripted entertainment.
The divide is deeply rooted in the contrasting cultures of UFC and professional wrestling fans. Pro wrestling communities often have a tribal loyalty to either WWE or AEW, and they are accustomed to scripted entertainment. Conversely, UFC fans prize the legitimacy of unscripted martial arts, and many resent any association with professional wrestling’s predetermined style. This tension was seen in comments like,
“Why are we mixing just leave eachother alone bruh f— off,”
—Anonymous Fan and,
“Why are they mixing fake fighting and real fighting?”
—Anonymous Fan, reflecting frustration at what they perceive as the dilution of UFC’s integrity.
The Persistent Rift Between UFC and Wrestling Fanbases
Several fans pleaded for the two sports to remain wholly separate, underscoring the discord with remarks such as,
“Keep UFC and WWE separate, please,”
—Anonymous Fan and requests to remove WWE’s promotional posts,
“Get this crap out of here.”
—Anonymous Fan. While WWE enjoys a dominant position in sports entertainment, UFC fans remain staunchly protective of their sport’s authenticity, with some stating bluntly,
“We don’t care about fake ufc.”
—Anonymous Fan.
This gap between the communities has historical precedents, particularly the varying success of athletes crossing between the two organizations. Brock Lesnar’s highly successful transition from WWE superstar to UFC champion contrasts sharply with CM Punk’s failed effort at a UFC career, which has been widely critiqued in the MMA world. These examples often fuel debates about whether professional wrestling can genuinely intersect with the competitive world of MMA without compromising its legitimacy.
Background and Context of UFC and WWE Collaboration
Following the merger of UFC and WWE into TKO Group Holdings, fans were curious but wary about potential collaborations. While Dana White’s early assurances suggested clear boundaries, sporadic crossovers have occurred primarily as promotional stunts—such as WWE superstars appearing in UFC crowd cams and UFC fighters showing up during WWE broadcasts. The most memorable recent example includes Michael Chandler’s callout of Conor McGregor on WWE’s Monday Night Raw. Despite these moments, WWE’s recent social media push for Khamzat Chimaev UFC middleweight title fight promotional efforts marked a significant increase in crossover marketing, stirring controversy.
The backlash demonstrates that while corporate mergers may bring brands closer, fan communities do not automatically embrace the blending. Mixed reactions indicate a tension between maintaining brand identity and expanding marketing reach.
Implications for the Upcoming UFC 319 Event and Future Promotions
The frustration surrounding WWE’s promotion of the UFC middleweight title fight could undermine the event’s build-up, as some UFC fans see it as compromising the sport’s seriousness. This unease could affect pay-per-view sales or viewership if the messaging confuses or alienates core UFC supporters. Moreover, it poses questions about whether TKO Group Holdings will continue blurring lines between scripted wrestling entertainment and legitimate mixed martial arts promotions.
For now, the primary focus remains on the showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319. How fans choose to respond moving forward may influence both organizations’ marketing strategies and the extent to which the WWE and UFC brands collaborate or keep their distance.