Boxing star Ryan Garcia has found himself in hot water with mixed martial arts enthusiasts after publicly criticizing the action at UFC 319’s main event this past Saturday night.
The former interim WBC lightweight champion took to social media platform X to express his disappointment with what many considered one of the year’s most anticipated pay-per-view cards.
“UFC lowkey boring, at least this fight,” Garcia posted, though he didn’t explicitly name which bout had left him unimpressed.
The Chicago event at the United Center featured several spectacular moments, including consecutive first-round spinning back elbow knockouts that had fans on their feet. Carlos Prates delivered a highlight-reel finish against Geoff Neal, immediately followed by Lerone Murphy’s stunning debut victory over Aaron Pico.
However, it was the main event that likely drew Garcia’s criticism. Khamzat Chimaev dominated middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in a methodical unanimous decision victory that showcased technical prowess over explosive action.
Chimaev controlled the octagon for over 21 minutes and secured 12 takedowns. He landed an impressive 529 total strikes in what many observers called one of the most one-sided title performances in recent memory.
Despite the statistical dominance, the championship bout divided viewers. While Chimaev’s technical mastery was undeniable, his approach lacked the dramatic finishing threats or viral moments that typically electrify audiences during title contests.
Garcia’s commentary didn’t sit well with MMA fans, who quickly mobilized on social media to defend their sport. Critics pointed to the boxer’s own recent performances, particularly highlighting his bout against Rolando Romero as an example of less-than-thrilling action.
Some of the comments are as follows:
The backlash reignited familiar debates between combat sports fans about which discipline consistently delivers more entertainment value. MMA enthusiasts argued that their sport’s unpredictability and diverse skill sets create more dynamic viewing experiences compared to boxing’s more traditional approach.
