On Saturday, the MMA world saw unbeaten boogeyman Khamzat Chimaev achieve what many thought was an inevitability – become UFC champion at 185 pounds. Chimaev dominated, and defeated Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision 50-44 across the board in the main event of UFC 319 in Chicago.

Klose (16-3-1 MMA, 10-3 UFC) picked up arguably the biggest win of his career when he outworked feared striker Barboza (24-13 MMA, 18-13 UFC) for a unanimous decision on the preliminary card at United Center. It was an emotional return to the win column for Klose, who dedicated the fight to his brother, who was murdered in 2024.

The dust has settled following UFC 319 in recent days, but heavy criticism still surrounds former champion Dricus du Plessis in his middleweight title loss.

Newly crowned UFC middleweight champion Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) went after de Ridder (20-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) on Tuesday with posts on X directed at the contender, just days after beating Dricus Du Plessis in an all-time dominant title fight at UFC 319.

UFC lightweight star advised Khamzat Chimaev to stick to his game plan during a crucial round of his UFC 319 title fight.