UFC 319 was one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and it did not disappoint. Fans packed the United Center in Chicago to witness a fight card filled with drama, intensity, and unforgettable finishes. From the opening prelim bout to the main event, every contest had fans on the edge of their seats.
The spotlight was firmly on the middleweight championship showdown between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis, but the card also featured several rising stars and seasoned fighters looking to make their mark. UFC 319 proved why mixed martial arts continues to be one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, offering a perfect blend of athleticism, strategy, and raw emotion.
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Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus du Plessis: Middleweight Title Fight Recap
The main event was the battle fans had been waiting for, as Khamzat Chimaev challenged Dricus du Plessis for the UFC Middleweight Championship. Chimaev wasted no time asserting his dominance, pressing forward with relentless pressure and utilizing his world-class grappling. His chain wrestling and ability to smother opponents left du Plessis searching for answers.
Du Plessis showed heart and resilience, landing some heavy counters when given space, but he struggled to keep Chimaev off him. Over five grueling rounds, Chimaev controlled the pace, mixed in damaging ground-and-pound, and neutralized du Plessis’ striking advantage. The judges’ scorecards reflected his dominance, awarding him a unanimous decision victory.
With this win, Chimaev not only claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship but also solidified himself as one of the scariest talents in MMA today. His ability to blend relentless wrestling with dangerous striking makes him a true force in the division.
Co-Main Event: Lerone Murphy Stuns Aaron Pico
If the main event was a story of calculated dominance, the co-main event was pure chaos. Lerone Murphy shocked the MMA world by delivering a spinning elbow knockout to Aaron Pico in the very first round. The strike landed with precision, dropping Pico instantly and sending the Chicago crowd into a frenzy.
Murphy’s victory was not only spectacular but also career-defining. Known for his speed and striking creativity, Murphy used timing and anticipation to deliver one of the best knockouts of the year. The UFC rewarded him with a Performance of the Night bonus, and fans left talking about his highlight-reel finish as much as the main event.
Main Card Highlights and Key Performances
Carlos Prates Delivers Another Stunning Elbow Knockout
Carlos Prates matched Murphy’s brilliance by landing his own spinning elbow knockout against veteran striker Geoff Neal. The finish came midway through the fight when Prates perfectly timed Neal’s forward movement, ending the contest in dramatic fashion. This knockout cemented Prates as a dangerous contender in his division and further highlighted the unpredictable nature of UFC 319.
Michael Page Outpoints Jared Cannonier
Michael “Venom” Page made his UFC pay-per-view debut and lived up to the hype. Known for his unorthodox style, Page used movement, distance control, and precise striking to outclass Jared Cannonier over three rounds. While the fight did not end in a knockout, Page’s performance proved he can compete with elite-level competition inside the Octagon.
Tim Elliott Secures Guillotine Submission Victory
Tim Elliott, one of the most experienced grapplers in the flyweight division, showcased his submission skills with a slick guillotine choke victory over Kai Asakura. The finish came in the second round, and it was a reminder of Elliott’s ability to capitalize on even the smallest mistakes. His victory also earned him a performance bonus, adding to an already exciting night.
Prelims Action: Rising Stars and Veteran Performances
Michal Oleksiejczuk Scores Brutal TKO
The preliminary card opened with fireworks as Michal Oleksiejczuk finished Gerald Meerschaert with a devastating first-round TKO. Oleksiejczuk’s power was too much for the veteran, and the win gave him momentum heading into bigger opportunities.
Loopy Godinez Defeats Jessica Andrade
One of the standout prelim fights featured Loopy Godinez taking on former champion Jessica Andrade. In a tough three-round battle, Godinez used crisp boxing and relentless pace to secure a unanimous decision victory. This win boosted her stock significantly, proving she can compete with the best in the division.
Alexander Hernandez and Drakkar Klose Impress
Alexander Hernandez showed no hesitation against Chase Hooper, scoring a first-round stoppage with aggressive striking and pressure. Meanwhile, Drakkar Klose battled Edson Barboza in a hard-fought match, ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory. Both fighters walked away with important wins that will move them forward in their careers.
Event Atmosphere and UFC 319 Impact
The United Center in Chicago was the perfect setting for UFC 319. Fans were loud, energetic, and fully invested in every fight. The atmosphere reached its peak during the co-main and main events, with the arena shaking as knockout blows landed and new champions were crowned.
UFC 319 also demonstrated the global reach of the sport, with fighters from different countries bringing unique styles and stories to the Octagon. It was a celebration of MMA’s diversity and the passion of fans who continue to support the UFC at every level.
UFC 319 Performance Bonuses
At the end of the night, the UFC announced its performance bonuses, rewarding fighters who delivered the most spectacular finishes. Khamzat Chimaev, Lerone Murphy, Carlos Prates, and Tim Elliott all received bonuses for their dominant victories. Notably, there was no Fight of the Night bonus, as the UFC felt the standout performances deserved the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC 319
Who won the main event at UFC 319?
Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion.
What was the best knockout of the night?
Lerone Murphy’s spinning elbow knockout against Aaron Pico was considered the most spectacular finish of UFC 319.
Which fighters received performance bonuses?
Performance bonuses went to Khamzat Chimaev, Lerone Murphy, Carlos Prates, and Tim Elliott.
Where was UFC 319 held?
The event took place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Was there a Fight of the Night award?
No, UFC 319 did not award a Fight of the Night, but several fighters received performance bonuses.
