What did Nate Diaz say about Khamzat Chimaev's fighting style after UFC 319?

Nate Diaz criticized Khamzat Chimaev's fighting style, claiming it was boring and that Chimaev fights out of fear. He remarked that while Chimaev shows dominance with grappling, his hesitant approach makes him appear scared and not a true fighter.

How did Khamzat Chimaev perform in his fight against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319?

Khamzat Chimaev won the UFC Middleweight Championship with a dominant decision over Dricus du Plessis, showcasing superior grappling skills throughout the match, though many fans found the fight lacked excitement and competitiveness.

What are the implications of Chimaev's victory for his future title defenses?

Following Chimaev's championship win, UFC CEO Dana White is organizing matchups to find Chimaev's first title challenger, with several contenders, including Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez, potentially fighting for that chance.

What was Chimaev's strategy during the fight with du Plessis, according to Diaz?

Diaz noted that Chimaev maintained side control without fully committing to striking, which he interpreted as a sign of fear rather than confidence, suggesting Chimaev was overly cautious about allowing du Plessis to escape.

Who are the potential challengers for Khamzat Chimaev's title?

The potential challengers for Khamzat Chimaev's title include the winners of upcoming fights between Reinier de Ridder vs. Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho, indicating a competitive middleweight landscape.

Nate Diaz Criticises Khamzat Chimaev After UFC 319 Championship Win

After UFC 319, where Khamzat Chimaev claimed the Middleweight Championship by defeating Dricus du Plessis, Nate Diaz didn’t hold back. On a live stream with Sneako, Diaz criticised Chimaev’s fighting style, calling him “scared” and saying he “can’t fight.” Fans are divided—some respect Chimaev’s grappling dominance, while others share Diaz’s frustration over the lack of striking and excitement.

Why Nate Diaz Is Speaking Out

Chimaev’s grappling skills were on full display, but the fight lacked the fireworks many fans hoped for. Diaz, known for his no-nonsense approach and fearless commentary, didn’t mince words. He said, “To me, that’s a scared style. He presents himself as this big, intimidating figure, but he’s just a big, old, scared [expletive] child.”

His point is clear: dominance isn’t enough. MMA fans and fighters alike want to see fighters take risks, push the pace, and embrace the thrill of competition. Diaz’s words reflect a broader debate about what makes a champion truly exciting to watch.

Nate Diaz shared his reaction on X:

Nate Diaz GOES OFF on Khamzat Chimaev for being a “scared fighter” 😳 pic.twitter.com/VR5GIEKBdU
— Sneako Daily (@HALALK0) August 20, 2025

What This Means for UFC Fans

Chimaev’s cautious style has left fans wondering if the Middleweight division will be as exciting as hoped. While he clearly dominated du Plessis with his grappling, the fight didn’t offer the back-and-forth action that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. Diaz’s comments tap into that frustration, emphasising that MMA isn’t just about winning—it’s about entertaining and taking risks in the cage.

Looking Ahead: Dana White and the Next Challenger

UFC President Dana White isn’t wasting any time. The organisation has already set up key middleweight matchups to determine Chimaev’s first title challenger. Reinier de Ridder faces Anthony Hernandez, and Nassourdine Imavov battles Caio Borralho. The winners of these fights could be the ones to shake up the division and test Chimaev’s approach in the cage.

Fans are eager to see if these upcoming bouts will bring more action and variety, and whether Chimaev will adapt his style to meet the high expectations of champions in the UFC.

Watch UFC 319 highlights:

Key Takeaways

Diaz Criticism: Nate Diaz labelled Chimaev’s style as cautious and “scared.”
UFC 319 Result: Chimaev dominated du Plessis to win the Middleweight Championship.
Fan Debate: The fight sparked discussion about excitement vs. dominance in MMA.
Dana White’s Next Steps: Upcoming bouts will determine Chimaev’s first challenger.

FAQs

What did Nate Diaz say about Chimaev?
He criticised Chimaev’s cautious fighting style, calling it “scared” and suggesting it doesn’t show true fighting spirit.

How did Chimaev perform at UFC 319?
He won the Middleweight Championship, using superior grappling skills but showing limited striking.

Who might challenge Chimaev next?
Winners of Reinier de Ridder vs. Anthony Hernandez and Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho are in line for the title shot.

Conclusion

Diaz’s criticism highlights the tension between winning and entertaining in the UFC. Chimaev’s grappling dominance is undeniable, but the fans—and even fellow fighters—want to see more action, creativity, and risk-taking in the octagon. As the Middleweight division moves forward, all eyes will be on Chimaev to see if he can prove that he’s not just a champion, but a fighter who excites and inspires.