The aftermath of UFC 319 continues to dominate MMA discussions, and one of the loudest voices to weigh in on Dricus Du Plessis’ performance against Khamzat Chimaev is none other than Belal Muhammad. The welterweight contender, known for his outspoken personality and no-nonsense assessments, made it clear that he was far from impressed by Du Plessis’ showing. In his view, the South African fighter lacked the killer instinct and seemed content just to survive against Khamzat rather than truly compete.

Belal Muhammad’s Harsh Assessment

During a recent media appearance, Belal Muhammad didn’t hold back when asked about Du Plessis’ fight at UFC 319. His verdict was blunt:
“Not impressed at all. Dricus didn’t want to get submitted. I think he was just satisfied with getting through the fight without getting submitted. That’s not championship mentality. That’s not what the fans want to see.”

Belal’s words cut deep, highlighting the growing divide between Du Plessis’ supporters, who praised his toughness for lasting through Khamzat’s relentless attack, and his critics, who argue that mere survival is not enough at the elite level of the UFC.

UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Recap

Heading into UFC 319, Dricus Du Plessis carried the aura of a former middleweight champion who had shocked the world with victories over top-tier names, including Israel Adesanya. Known for his unorthodox striking and never-back-down mentality, many believed he had the tools to at least test Khamzat.

However, the fight painted a different picture. Khamzat Chimaev, the Chechen Wolf, imposed his game plan immediately, pushing the pace with takedowns, pressure, and ground control. While Du Plessis showed grit by fending off submissions and refusing to tap, he spent much of the fight on the defensive, unable to mount significant offense.

Though he survived to the final bell, it was a one-sided contest. For fighters like Belal Muhammad, survival without meaningful resistance isn’t worth celebrating.

Why Belal Muhammad’s Words Sting

Belal’s critique carries weight not just because of his status as a top welterweight contender but also because of his reputation as a fighter who thrives under pressure. Muhammad has built his career on work ethic, durability, and relentless output—qualities he feels Du Plessis failed to show in his UFC 319 performance.

From Belal’s perspective, Du Plessis displayed a mentality that fell short of championship standards. Instead of fighting to win, he fought not to lose. In Belal’s own words, that approach can never be enough to remain a top-tier UFC athlete.

Fan Reactions to the Criticism

Belal’s comments sparked debate among fans online. Some agreed with his harsh assessment, pointing out that Du Plessis didn’t take risks or show urgency to turn the fight around. Others defended Du Plessis, arguing that anyone who can survive Khamzat’s grappling onslaught without being finished deserves respect.

Supporters of Du Plessis noted that even some of the UFC’s most durable fighters have been quickly submitted or knocked out by Khamzat, and that simply making it to the scorecards showed toughness and resilience. Critics, however, echoed Belal’s sentiment: toughness alone doesn’t win championships.

What This Means for Du Plessis’ Future

The criticism raises questions about where Dricus Du Plessis goes from here. While the loss to Khamzat doesn’t erase his achievements, it does highlight gaps in his game—particularly against world-class grapplers. His striking, awkward movement, and power have carried him far, but against opponents like Khamzat, the lack of takedown defense and ground offense became glaring weaknesses.

Belal Muhammad’s comments may also put pressure on Du Plessis to make a statement in his next fight. Whether he stays at middleweight or considers a drop to welterweight—as suggested by Rampage Jackson—Du Plessis will need to show fans and critics alike that he is more than just a survivor in the cage.

Belal Muhammad’s Own Agenda

It’s also worth noting that Belal’s critique may have a competitive angle. Belal is positioning himself as one of the top names at welterweight, and by calling out Du Plessis’ mentality, he may be drawing attention to himself in the broader UFC landscape. Fighters often use moments like this to generate headlines, keep their names relevant, and potentially open doors to big-money fights across divisions.

Belal is currently chasing a welterweight title shot, but his willingness to comment on a middleweight contender shows his eye for seizing opportunities to stay in the conversation. If Du Plessis ever does move to 170, a fight between the two could suddenly become an intriguing possibility.

Conclusion

Belal Muhammad’s statement that he was “not impressed at all” with Dricus Du Plessis’ UFC 319 performance has struck a nerve in the MMA community. While some fans argue that Du Plessis deserves credit for enduring Khamzat’s relentless assault without being finished, others side with Belal’s blunt take that survival alone is not enough in a sport where winners define legacies.

For Du Plessis, the loss and the criticism represent a turning point. His next move—whether improving his ground game, staying at middleweight, or testing the waters at welterweight—will be crucial in determining how his story unfolds. As for Belal Muhammad, his candid critique once again proves that he’s not afraid to speak his mind, adding fuel to the ongoing debates about toughness, mentality, and what it truly takes to be a UFC champion.