At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev dominated all five rounds to claim the middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis. The bout, held recently, attracted attention not only for Chimaev’s superior wrestling but also for a contentious referee decision that allowed Du Plessis to stand up mid-round, stirring debate around the Dricus Du Plessis referee controversy. MMA legend Demetrious Johnson publicly criticized the referee, expressing frustration over this pivotal call that arguably affected the fight’s momentum.
Johnson Criticizes Referee’s Decision to Let Du Plessis Stand
Khamzat Chimaev‘s dominance was clear, but the moment that ignited controversy came when the referee gave Du Plessis the opportunity to rise while grappling exchanges were still intense. Chimaev had Du Plessis controlled on the ground and was landing effective strikes, yet the referee decided to stop the action and allow the South African fighter to get back to his feet. This decision did not sit well with many viewers, including Demetrious Johnson, a former UFC flyweight champion.
On his YouTube channel Mighty Mouse, Johnson stated,
“I think the ref shouldn’t have given DDP the chance to get back to his feet. Even though fans were [booing], I think it was a big L from the ref. But the ref’s just trying to make it an exciting fight.”
—Demetrious Johnson, Former UFC Flyweight Champion
The public reaction mirrored Johnson’s disappointment, with many fans voicing displeasure at the referee’s intervention, feeling it disrupted Chimaev’s control and affected the fight’s flow. Despite this, Chimaev maintained his dominance and emerged victorious after a unanimous decision, solidifying his claim to the middleweight crown.
Khamzat Chimaev Sets His Sights on Pound-for-Pound Supremacy
After capturing the middleweight title at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev immediately announced his ambition to ascend to the top of the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. This prestigious spot is sought by many champions, reflecting overall dominance across weight classes. Currently ranked No. 14, Chimaev is positioned well below Ilia Topuria, who holds the top pound-for-pound slot.
In his post-fight interview with ESPN MMA, Chimaev confidently declared,
“I don’t care who does that, but for sure I have to be No. 1.”
—Khamzat Chimaev, UFC Middleweight Champion
With this recent championship win and his youth, Chimaev’s reputation as a multi-threat fighter—combining wrestling, striking, and aggressiveness on the ground—could accelerate his climb in the rankings. His fanbase and analysts anticipate a significant rise in his pound-for-pound standing if he continues to perform at this elite level.
The Ongoing Debate Around UFC 319’s Refereeing Decisions
The controversy surrounding the referee’s call to stand up Du Plessis during dominant grappling has spotlighted ongoing discussions about officiating consistency in high-stakes UFC bouts. While the fight concluded decisively in favor of Chimaev, many viewers and experts question whether the referee’s attempt to maintain excitement compromised fair competition.
Demetrious Johnson’s blunt critique amplifies the concern, highlighting how crucial refereeing decisions can sway fight dynamics and outcomes. The incident also raises broader questions about standards for intervention during submissions and ground control, underscoring the intense scrutiny officials face in the sport.
As UFC 319’s fallout continues, the spotlight on Dricus Du Plessis and the referee’s judgment is likely to influence future officiating protocols. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev will look ahead to defending his championship and moving closer to the ultimate goal of becoming the UFC’s top pound-for-pound fighter.