UFC 319
Review
On Saturday night, the UFC returned to Chicago's United Center with a massive PPV event – and UFC 319 didn't disappoint. Expectations were high, but the evening exceeded them: a new champion, brutal knockouts, and clear signals in several weight classes. Here's our review of the key events:
It couldn’t be more dominant!
Chimaev wears down Du Plessis over 5 rounds
It was considered the most anticipated middleweight clash of the year—a duel between the undefeated monster Khamzat Chimaev and the champion who had earned his place at the top with victories over Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. But as the cage closed, it quickly became clear: This was a different level of competition.
From the very first moment, Chimaev left no doubt why many have seen him as a future champion since his debut on Fight Island 2020. After just 13 seconds, he got the takedown, moved textbook into the mount, and finally into the crucifix—all before Du Plessis even got into the fight.
The South African, known for his unorthodox style and toughness, seemed overwhelmed. Not because of a lack of fighting spirit—he showed plenty of that—but because Chimaev dictated every phase of the fight: the rhythm, the location, the style. Whether it was clinch work, transitions on the ground, or control in top position—Chimaev was always two steps ahead.
What was particularly impressive was that it wasn't just brute force. What Chimaev demonstrated was more structured, technical, and precise than ever before. His chain grappling sequences, the constant switching from attack to control, his ability to assert himself at every point of transition—all of it looked like the work of a champion who's been at the top for years.
Du Plessis tried everything again in round 5. He stopped a takedown for the first time and landed a few standing shots – but even at his best, there was never a feeling he could turn the fight around. Chimaev remained calm, took him down, controlled him, and finished the fight the way he started it – dominant.
A new king with an announcement
With this victory, Khamzat Chimaev improves his record to 15-0 and now stands as the undisputed champion at the top of the middleweight division. And more importantly, he didn't look like someone who had just reached the top, but rather like someone who could defend it for a long time. His game isn't just built on dominance, but on sustainability—something that has long been lacking in this weight class.
Of course, there are no guarantees in MMA. Any champion can fall, any winning streak can end. But if ever there was a debut as a titleholder that felt like a changing of the guard, this was it.
Chimaev has arrived – and everyone else can now figure out how to solve this problem.
Murphy remains undefeated!
Crushing spinning elbow KO against newcomer Pico
Lerone Murphy impressively lived up to his hype: With a brutal spinning elbow, he ended Aaron Pico's debut after just over three minutes and extended his streak to 17-0-1. With this highlight-reel knockout, "The Miracle" clearly establishes himself as the next featherweight title contender.
Aaron Pico showed why he's so highly regarded in his UFC debut. He managed to force Murphy onto the defensive, but was caught cold by the undefeated Brit's spectacular move.
Rest of the main card: Brutal knockout and exciting fights
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal
The Fighting Nerds shone again: Carlos Prates defeated Geoff Neal with a spectacular KO via spinning elbow in round 1. After his loss to Ian Machado Garry, this is the perfect response – and Prates shows why he is one of the most dangerous finishers in the welterweight division.
Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page
In his UFC middleweight debut, Michael "Venom" Page delivered an impressive performance. With his trademark explosiveness and creative striking combinations, he controlled the action for long stretches against the experienced former title contender Jared Cannonier. Page knocked the "Killa Gorilla" down twice, leaving little doubt about his superiority – ultimately securing a clear unanimous decision victory, making a strong statement in his new weight class.
Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura
Tim Elliott celebrated an impressive comeback: The veteran finished his fight against Kai Asakura by submission in round 2, proving that he's not to be written off even after a long layoff. It was a tough setback for Asakura after his title fight debut against Pantoja.
You can watch the highlights of the selected fights on DAZN Fightclub .
Wie geht es weiter?
For Khamzat Chimaev, after his dominant title takeover, there is hardly any way around the duel with the winner of Borralho vs. Imavov – his golden grasp in the middleweight division seems to be just the beginning.
With his spectacular knockout, Lerone Murphy has finally boxed his way into the featherweight title circle – a fight against champion Volkanovski could follow in December.
Carlos Prates made an impressive comeback with a brutal finish and should now move towards the top 10.
And Michael "Venom" Page secured his second UFC victory with a strong performance against Jared Cannonier – spectacular matchups against middleweight strikers are guaranteed.