Khamzat Chimaev secured one of the most commanding wins of his career at UFC 319 on Saturday, defeating Dricus du Plessis by decision. The undefeated Russian fighter dominated the fight, with UFC President Dana White’s scoring showing Chimaev winning nearly every round decisively. Despite this clear display of superiority, former middleweight contender Marvin Vettori expressed belief that du Plessis was unfairly treated in the judges’ ruling, suggesting a
“Dricus du Plessis robbed UFC fight”
occurred.
Fans and Fighters React to Vettori’s Controversial View
Immediately after the event, Vettori shared his thoughts on social media, openly doubting the legitimacy of the outcome.
“Du Plessis lost but I think he got robbed lol,”
Vettori tweeted, a statement that quickly sparked backlash from MMA fans. Many users criticized Vettori, with some demanding he remain silent and others mocking his comment. Some examples from the response included remarks like
“Marvin please be quiet,”
and
“Are you thick in the head? Must definitely be a joke,”
reflecting widespread disagreement with his assessment. The remarks illustrated the tension surrounding the fight’s verdict and Vettori’s frustration.
Marvin Vettori’s Recent Performance Struggles in the UFC
Vettori’s remarks come amid a difficult period in his UFC career. Since challenging Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship in June 2021, he has experienced a downturn, with a record of two wins and five losses in the Octagon. His most recent victory was in March 2023, but he then lost three consecutive fights, including a defeat to Brendan Allen at UFC 318 last month. These results have cast uncertainty over his future prospects as a top contender, despite his earlier promise as one of Italy’s rising UFC stars.
Significance and Outlook Following UFC 319
The controversy stirred by Vettori’s claim underscores ongoing debates over judging decisions in high-profile UFC bouts. Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant performance reinforced his status as a formidable force in the division, but dissenting voices like Vettori’s fuel discussions about fairness and scoring accuracy. As UFC 319 continues to draw attention, observers will watch for potential rematches or further developments involving Chimaev, du Plessis, and other contenders aiming to capitalize on the divisional shake-up.