UFC 319 Recap
UFC 319 delivered a historic night in Chicago’s United Center, as Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus du Plessis to claim the UFC Middleweight Championship. But the main event wasn’t the only story — spinning elbow knockouts, shocking upsets, and veteran resilience made this card unforgettable.
Here are the Top 5 Takeaways from UFC 319:
1. Khamzat Chimaev Dominates to Win the UFC Middleweight Title
Chimaev fought like a relentless wrestling coach, taking du Plessis down at will and controlling every round. The fight was one of the most one-sided UFC title bouts ever, with Chimaev landing over 500 strikes while absorbing very little damage.
- Result: Chimaev def. du Plessis via unanimous decision (50–44 x3).
- Style: Dominant wrestling & top control.
While fans booed the lack of a finish, Chimaev now holds the belt — and there doesn’t appear to be a clear contender who can stop his reign anytime soon.
2. Du Plessis Showed Heart Despite the Loss
Though completely outclassed, Dricus du Plessis refused to quit. He fought off a rear-naked choke, battled until the last second, and even threatened Chimaev’s back in the final minute.
The loss was decisive, but it highlighted why du Plessis has always been hard to count out: toughness, grit, and a refusal to give in.
3. Lerone Murphy Flatlines Aaron Pico
Former Bellator star Aaron Pico made his UFC debut but walked into disaster. After an aggressive start, he was caught charging forward, running directly into a spinning back elbow KO from Lerone Murphy.
- Result: Murphy def. Pico via 1st-round KO.
- Impact: Murphy finally gains the recognition he deserves, while Pico faces questions about his UFC future.
4. Carlos Prates Lands a Viral Knockout
Carlos Prates scored one of the knockouts of the year by finishing Geoff Neal with a spinning elbow at the end of round one. His celebration didn’t stop in the cage — Prates lit up a cigarette backstage, going viral on social media.
A much-needed rebound win, this highlight reel finish put Prates back on the map in style.
5. Tim Elliott Upsets Kai Asakura
Veteran Tim Elliott pulled off a huge upset by submitting rising star Kai Asakura with a guillotine choke in round two.
At 38 years old, Elliott wasn’t expected to win — but he reminded everyone why experience and resilience matter inside the Octagon.
UFC 319 Final Thoughts
UFC 319 crowned a new middleweight king in Khamzat Chimaev, delivered unforgettable knockouts from Murphy and Prates, and showcased the heart of veterans like Tim Elliott.
From dominance to drama, this Chicago card proved once again why the UFC remains the most unpredictable stage in combat sports.
