Although UFC 319 this year was one of the most exciting UFC events, it still received criticism from one of the biggest stars in boxing.
This Saturday, the Premier Promotion returned to Chicago for the first time since 2019 with UFC 319, with the head of a blockbuster middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Although Chimaev was the favorite on his way to the fight, his performance came as a pretty surprise when he completely dominated Du Plessis for five rounds to become the new champion.
'Borz' was praised for his performance by both Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev, because he became the first Chechen hunter in the history of UFC who won a title.
Photo by Ed Mulholland/Zuffa LLC
Ryan Garcia criticizes the UFC 319 event
Before the main event, Carlos Prates and Lerone Murphy Back-to-Back scored elbow knockouts, both knockout of the year contenders.
Despite the blockbuster promotion on the main map, the event was criticized by the world champion boxer Ryan Garcia.
After the event, probably to look back the main event, Garcia said, “UFC Lowkey boring, at least this fight.”
UFC Lowkey boring, at least this fight
– Ryan Garcia (@ryangarcia) August 17, 2025
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Chimaev received some criticism of his performance for the most part of the fight, he checked Du Plessis on the floor without trying to finish it.
Nevertheless, the Chechen threw a total of more than 560 strikes and controlled for more than 20 minutes, so that a completely dominant display was set up.
“That was a master class. Now it is up to the division to find out how you can beat it. In isolation you may find it boring, martial arts always find a way to be, that's why it is a chess competition,” a fan responded.
“Bro Boxing is boring. It's a clamping fist without consequences,” said another fan.
“You would mislead 100% of the selection,” a third fan noted.
UFC Blows! BKFC is where it is!
– Kevin (@Vapinghistorian) August 17, 2025
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“Brother, there were two first round knockouts of rotating elbows, how is that boring,” another fan defended the event.
World Champion Boxer sends a message to Khamzat Chimaev
Although Garcia was full of criticism of the event, colleague world champion Boxer Artur was better Betterbiev about the fight.
After the event, the Russian sent his countryman, Chimaev, a message, congratulated him on becoming the first hunter from Chechenia who won a UFC title.