In a jaw-dropping turn of events, former UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has unleashed a bombshell accusation just minutes after his unanimous decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, in Chicago. Du Plessis claims to have evidence exposing foul play involving Chimaev and referee Marc Goddard, sparking outrage across the MMA community.

According to Du Plessis, Goddard’s controversial decision to stand up the fighters in the fourth round, when Chimaev was dominating with his wrestling, unfairly disrupted the challenger’s momentum. Social media posts from fans echo this sentiment, with some labeling the referee’s actions as “blatant cheating” to favor Du Plessis. One X user, @TruthfulUfcFan, slammed Goddard, stating, “He blatantly attempted to cheat for DDP, standing them up when DDP was getting mauled.”

Du Plessis further alleges that Chimaev employed illegal tactics, including strikes to the back of the head, which went unpunished by Goddard. These claims have fueled speculation of a rigged fight, with some fans on X even calling UFC 319 a “fake fight” that Chimaev could have finished but allowed to go the distance.

The MMA world is now buzzing with demands for an investigation. Was UFC 319 tainted by foul play, or is Du Plessis grasping at straws after a crushing defeat? As Chimaev celebrates his new middleweight title, these explosive allegations threaten to overshadow his victory. Stay tuned for updates as this scandal unfolds.