On August 16, 2025, the United Center in Chicago roared to life as UFC 319 delivered a night of unforgettable fights, headlined by a middleweight title clash between champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. The event marked the UFC’s return to Chicago since 2019, and it didn’t disappoint, with jaw-dropping knockouts, gritty submissions, and a new champion crowned. This article breaks down the full results, highlights, and stories behind UFC 319, offering fans a front-row seat to the action. From Chimaev’s relentless dominance to spinning back elbows that stole the show, here’s everything you need to know about this historic night.
Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis
The main event was a middleweight title showdown that had fans buzzing with anticipation. Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated grappling phenom, faced Dricus Du Plessis, the unorthodox South African champion with a knack for defying odds. What unfolded was a masterclass in dominance that reshaped the middleweight division.
Chimaev’s Grappling Masterclass
Chimaev wasted no time, securing a takedown just seven seconds into the fight. His wrestling prowess overwhelmed Du Plessis, who spent 21:40 of the 25-minute bout on his back. Chimaev’s control was surgical, earning him a unanimous decision victory (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) and the middleweight title.
Du Plessis’ Resilience Despite Defeat
Du Plessis, known for his heart, never quit despite being smothered. In the fifth round, he briefly reversed positions, nearly locking in a guillotine choke. His late surge wasn’t enough, but it showed why he’s a fan favorite.
The Crowd’s Reaction and Controversy
The Chicago crowd booed Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach, craving more striking action. Despite the jeers, Chimaev’s performance was undeniable, with 12 takedowns and 529 strikes landed compared to Du Plessis’ 45. The debate over “boring” dominance sparked heated discussions online.
Co-Main Event: Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
The co-main event promised fireworks, and it delivered in spectacular fashion. Lerone Murphy faced UFC newcomer Aaron Pico, a former Bellator star, in a featherweight bout that ended with one of the night’s most memorable moments.
Murphy’s Spinning Back Elbow Stunner
Pico came out aggressive, leaning on his wrestling to control early exchanges. But Murphy stayed calm, landing a perfectly timed spinning back elbow at 3:21 of Round 1, knocking Pico out cold. The knockout earned Murphy a $50,000 bonus and a callout for champ Alexander Volkanovski.
Pico’s Disappointing Debut
Pico, hyped as a wrestling prodigy, showed promise but couldn’t handle Murphy’s precision. His debut loss highlighted the steep learning curve of transitioning to the UFC. Fans are eager to see how he rebounds.
Main Card Highlights
The main card was a rollercoaster of finishes and decisions, showcasing the depth of talent in the UFC. From knockouts to submissions, every fight had something to talk about.
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal: Another Spinning Elbow KO
Carlos Prates stole the show with a spinning back elbow knockout of Geoff Neal at 4:59 of Round 1. The strike, eerily similar to Murphy’s, marked the first time in UFC history two spinning back elbow KOs landed on the same card. Prates earned a $50,000 bonus and called out Leon Edwards.
Michael Page vs. Jared Cannonier: Stylish Decision Win
Michael “Venom” Page outstruck Jared Cannonier with his elusive style, winning a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Despite Cannonier’s Round 3 takedown, Page’s striking carried the day, boosting his middleweight stock.
Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura: Veteran Grit Prevails
Veteran Tim Elliott submitted former Rizin champ Kai Asakura with a guillotine choke at 4:39 of Round 2. Elliott’s grappling outshined Asakura’s striking, snapping the Japanese star’s two-fight win streak.
Preliminary Card Breakdown
The prelims set the tone for UFC 319, delivering a mix of finishes and competitive decisions that kept fans glued to their screens.
Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan
Fresh off a Dana White’s Contender Series contract, Baisangur Susurkaev submitted Eric Nolan with a rear-naked choke at 2:01 of Round 2. The rookie’s grappling shone, marking him as a middleweight to watch.
Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Gerald Meerschaert
Michal Oleksiejczuk stopped Gerald Meerschaert with a TKO via punches at 3:03 of Round 1. His aggressive striking overwhelmed Meerschaert, securing his second straight win.
Loopy Godinez vs. Jessica Andrade
Loopy Godinez outworked former strawweight champ Jessica Andrade, earning a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Godinez’s relentless pace handed Andrade her third consecutive loss.
Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper
Alexander Hernandez snapped Chase Hooper’s five-fight win streak with a TKO via punches at 4:58 of Round 1. Hernandez’s sharp striking proved too much, marking his third straight victory.
Early Prelims: Setting the Stage
The early prelims kicked off UFC 319 with high-energy bouts, including a tournament final and competitive decisions.
Drakkar Klose vs. Edson Barboza
Drakkar Klose outpointed Edson Barboza in a lightweight clash, winning a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28). Klose’s pressure overcame Barboza’s flashy striking.
Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa
Karine Silva avenged a 2019 loss to Dione Barbosa, winning a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in a flyweight rematch. Silva’s striking edged out Barbosa’s grappling attempts.
Joseph Morales vs. Alibi Idiris
Joseph Morales won The Ultimate Fighter 33 flyweight tournament, submitting Alibi Idiris with a triangle choke at 3:04 of Round 2. The victory earned Morales a UFC contract and a memorable debut.
Comparing Key Fights: Main Event vs. Co-Main Event
To understand UFC 319’s impact, let’s compare the main and co-main events, which showcased contrasting styles and outcomes.
| Aspect | Du Plessis vs. Chimaev | Murphy vs. Pico |
|---|---|---|
| Fight Style | Grappling-heavy, one-sided dominance | Striking-focused, explosive knockout |
| Outcome | Unanimous decision (50-44 x3) | KO (spinning back elbow, R1, 3:21) |
| Impact | New champion crowned | Murphy earns title shot callout |
| Fan Reaction | Mixed, with boos for lack of action | Electric, with $50,000 bonus awarded |
Pros and Cons of UFC 319
Pros:
- Historic knockouts with two spinning back elbows
- New middleweight champion crowned
- Breakout performances from Prates and Murphy
- Strong prelims with exciting finishes
Cons:
- Main event lacked striking action, drawing boos
- Some fights felt one-sided, reducing excitement
- High expectations for Pico’s debut unmet
- Limited title implications for undercard bouts
Stories Behind the Fights
UFC 319 wasn’t just about results—it was about the human stories that made the night unforgettable. Let’s dive into two narratives that captured the heart of the event.
Chimaev’s Redemption Arc
Khamzat Chimaev’s journey to the title wasn’t smooth. After withdrawing from multiple high-profile fights due to illness and weight issues, he faced skepticism about his reliability. His dominant performance at UFC 319 silenced doubters, proving “Borz” (Chechen for wolf) is a force to be reckoned with.
Du Plessis’ Mental Fortitude
Dricus Du Plessis leaned on his mental coach of eight years to prepare for Chimaev’s wrestling. Despite the loss, his refusal to break mentally—evident in his fifth-round rally—earned respect. His post-fight grace, praising Chimaev, showed true sportsmanship.
How to Watch UFC 319 Replays and Highlights
Missed the action? Here’s how to catch up on UFC 319:
- ESPN+ PPV: Full event replays available for subscribers.
- UFC YouTube Channel: Free highlights and post-fight interviews. UFC YouTube
- Disney+: Prelims and early prelims available for streaming.
- Kayo (Australia): Main card and prelims for Aussie fans.
Best Tools for MMA Fans
- UFC Fight Pass: Access full fight archives and exclusive content. UFC Fight Pass
- ESPN App: Live scores, updates, and fight analysis. ESPN
- Tapology: Detailed fighter stats and event breakdowns. Tapology
People Also Ask (PAA) Section
Here are answers to common Google queries about UFC 319.
Who Won the UFC 319 Main Event?
Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) to win the UFC middleweight title on August 16, 2025, in Chicago.
What Were the Biggest Highlights of UFC 319?
The biggest highlights were back-to-back spinning back elbow KOs by Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates, plus Chimaev’s dominant title win. Both knockouts earned $50,000 bonuses.
Where Can I Watch UFC 319 Replays?
Replays are available on ESPN+ PPV for the main card, Disney+ for prelims, and the UFC YouTube channel for highlights. Check ESPN+ for subscription details.
How Did Dricus Du Plessis Perform at UFC 319?
Du Plessis showed heart but was dominated by Chimaev’s grappling, spending over 21 minutes in bottom position. He nearly mounted a comeback in Round 5 but lost the title.
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FAQ Section
Who won the UFC 319 middleweight title fight?
Khamzat Chimaev won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) on August 16, 2025.
What were the standout moments of UFC 319?
Standout moments included Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates’ spinning back elbow KOs, each earning $50,000 bonuses, and Chimaev’s dominant grappling performance.
How can I watch UFC 319 highlights?
Highlights are available on the UFC YouTube channel, while full replays can be streamed on ESPN+ PPV or Disney+ for prelims. UFC YouTube
Why did the crowd boo during the main event?
The Chicago crowd booed Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy approach, which lacked striking action, despite his dominance over Du Plessis.
What’s next for Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 319?
As the new middleweight champion, Chimaev is likely to face top contenders like Sean Strickland or Israel Adesanya. His next fight hasn’t been confirmed.
Conclusion: A Night That Redefined the Middleweight Division
UFC 319 was a night of high stakes and higher drama, with Khamzat Chimaev’s coronation as middleweight champion stealing headlines. The event’s spinning back elbow KOs, gritty submissions, and competitive decisions made it a must-watch for MMA fans. While Du Plessis’ reign ended, his heart and Chimaev’s dominance set the stage for an exciting future. Whether you’re reliving the action on ESPN+ or debating the fights online, UFC 319 proved why the octagon is where legends are made. Here’s to the next chapter in the UFC’s wild ride.