Despite fan criticism online for how the fight played out, Cormier bluntly articulated why Chimaev got the better of the South African superstar.<\/a><\/p>\n Chris Unger-Zuffa LL<\/p>\n \u201cIt was very impressive by Chimaev,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel.<\/a> ” If I\u2019m being honest though, it was a little disappointing on the side of du Plessis because he knew the challenge. I don\u2019t know if they prepared the right way for what [the] challenge was in front of them.”<\/p>\n Du Plessis was taken down at will while being given little space to work throughout much of the 25-minute fight. Cormier added that there was little du Plessis could do to counter Chimaev, who had an answer for everything thrown his way.<\/p>\n READ MORE:Ex-Champ warns only stars like Conor McGregor will cash in on UFC\u2019s $7.7 billion deal<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cYou know when you\u2019re fighting Chimaev, you\u2019ve got to be able to get up if taken down, and you\u2019ve got to make the takedowns hard,” Cormier said. “He wasn\u2019t able to do either of those things tonight and now he\u2019s the former champ.”<\/p>\n Regardless of who the UFC pairs Chimaev against in his first title defense, Cormier attempted to offer words of wisdom for the rest of the division about a critical key that it will take to defeat the seemingly unstoppable grappler..<\/p>\n Aug 16, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES; Khamzat Chimaev (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Dricus Du Plessis Murphy (red gloves) during UFC 319 at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images \/ Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<\/p>\n \u201cAll these guys should be running to the wrestling room right now,” Cormier said. “Getting with a coach that can prepare them for the wrestling exchanges because the controls that Chimaev uses, the wrist fighting, the hand fighting, the forward pressure, these are all things that you learn in the wrestling room as a kid and then you apply them to fighting.”<\/p>\n It may not be much longer before Chimaev finds himself back in the Octagon. UFC CEO Dana White told reporters, including MMA Knockout, following UFC 319, that Chimaev fighting in Abu Dhabi<\/a> is something he may consider if timing works out.<\/p>\n \u201cI just had a kid fight Tuesday and wanted to turn around and fight here,” White said. “Abu Dhabi? I would definitely consider.\u201d<\/p>\n Chimaev is used to quick turnarounds, but it remains to be seen whether the promotion pulls the trigger.<\/p>\n It appears the MMA community will find out soon.<\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more\u00a0FREE coverage\u00a0of the UFC, MMA, Boxing. Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n