Dricus Du Plessis faced intense criticism following his decisive defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, where Chimaev dominated their middleweight title fight. Veteran fighter Rampage Jackson weighed in, urging Du Plessis to reconsider his current weight class after the humiliating loss, amidst growing debate over the Dricus Du Plessis weight class debate.
Before the fight, Du Plessis and his coach exuded confidence about their potential to overpower Chimaev. However, the reality was starkly different as Du Plessis failed to claim even a single round. Chimaev’s control throughout the fight sparked some controversy when the referee stopped the bout during ground action, a decision that many UFC fighters questioned. Jackson strongly criticized Du Plessis’s prospects for a rematch and suggested a drop in weight class might be necessary for him to regain competitiveness.
Rampage Jackson Calls on Du Plessis to Change Weight Division After UFC 319 Defeat
Rampage Jackson did not hold back in his assessment of Du Plessis’s recent performance. He advised the fighter against entertaining ideas of an immediate rematch with Chimaev, emphasizing that such talk is premature after the one-sided loss. Jackson’s view is that Du Plessis is “stuck” and should seriously consider moving to a different weight class where he might find a better fit and more success.
DDP shouldn’t even say the word ‘Re’ or ‘Match’ in the same sentence in an interview, with all due respect. DDP probably needs to go to a different weight class. He probably should drop down. He’s stuck,
the UFC veteran stated.
Jackson’s critique represents a broader sentiment among fans and fighters alike who question Du Plessis’s current middleweight standing after the fight. His suggestion to switch weight categories adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about Du Plessis’s future and potential career adjustments.
Paddy Pimblett Defends Chimaev’s Performance Amid Criticism of the Fight’s Entertainment Value
Following Chimaev’s dominant wrestling display against Du Plessis, some spectators labeled the bout as dull. However, UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett dismissed such opinions and praised Chimaev’s grappling skills as an advanced demonstration of MMA technique. He called out casual viewers who might not appreciate the technical depth of the fight.
For the casuals, this isn’t gonna be a fun fight to watch, but for people who actually do MMA, they’ll appreciate this. I appreciate it because this is levels of the game, and Khamzat’s grappling level is very high.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight
This defense highlights the divide between hardcore MMA fans, who value skill and control, and casual viewers who often seek more action-packed fights. Even former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker acknowledged that casual fans might not enjoy such a technically focused bout, reinforcing Pimblett’s perspective on the high-level nature of Chimaev’s performances.
Future Middleweight Title Contenders Prepare as UFC Plans Elimination Matches
With Chimaev securing the middleweight belt, the UFC is already planning the next steps toward identifying his challenger. UFC President Dana White announced that middleweight eliminator bouts are in the works, aiming to bring forward the most legitimate contenders for the title. Fans eagerly await the emergence of new contenders who can potentially challenge Chimaev’s dominance in the division.
As the conversation surrounding the Dricus Du Plessis weight class debate unfolds, Du Plessis’s next moves will be closely watched by the MMA community. Whether he chooses to heed Rampage Jackson’s advice and move to a lower weight class or attempt to regroup in the middleweight division, his career trajectory remains uncertain after the high-profile loss.