UFC 319 Results: Chimaev Dominates Du Plessis to Claim Middleweight Title

The UFC returned to Chicago with a thrilling night of fights at the United Center on August 16. The event, UFC 319, delivered on its promise of high-stakes action, culminating in the crowning of a new champion. In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev turned in a truly dominant performance to unseat Dricus Du Plessis and become the new UFC middleweight champion.

While the main event was a masterclass in grappling, the rest of the card provided a blend of spectacular knockouts and strategic masterclasses. Here is a complete breakdown of all the UFC 319 results.

Chimaev’s Dominance on Display in Main Event

In what was billed as a clash of two of the division’s top contenders, Khamzat Chimaev delivered a performance that was historic in its one-sided nature. Right from the opening bell, Chimaev’s game plan was clear: take the fight to the ground and smother the champion. It took only seven seconds for Chimaev to secure the first of his 12 takedowns.

By the end of the 25-minute bout, Chimaev had amassed an astonishing 21:40 of ground control time. He outlanded Du Plessis by a staggering 529 to 45 in total strikes. Despite the champion’s best efforts to escape and mount a last-ditch offense in the fifth round, Chimaev’s overwhelming pressure never let up. The judges’ scorecards reflected the utter dominance, all coming back a lopsided 50-44 in favor of the new champion.

“He was just like a blanket,” Du Plessis said after the fight, praising Chimaev’s suffocating pressure. The victory cements Chimaev’s undefeated record at 15-0 and positions him as a seemingly unstoppable force in the middleweight division.

Main Card: Stunning Knockouts & Key Decisions

The main card was full of memorable moments that made the audience in Chicago go wild.

• Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico: In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy cemented his spot as a top featherweight contender with a highlight-reel knockout of Aaron Pico. Midway through the first round, Murphy landed a perfect spinning elbow that instantly dropped Pico, earning a walk-off finish and a massive victory.
• Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal: In a remarkable twist, Carlos Prates also scored a brutal spinning back elbow knockout, this one coming just before the end of the first round. The devastating blow put Neal out cold and earned Prates a well-deserved bonus.
• Michael Page vs. Jared Cannonier: “MVP” picked up his biggest UFC victory yet, out-striking the perennial middleweight contender over three rounds. Page used his signature fluid, evasive style to land cleaner shots and secure a unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
• Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura: Veteran Tim Elliott opened the main card with a gritty performance, surviving some early shots before taking Asakura to the ground and securing a second-round submission via mounted guillotine choke.

Preliminary Card: All the Results

• Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan by Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 2:01 of Round 2
• Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert by TKO (Punches) at 3:03 of Round 1
• Loopy Godinez def. Jéssica Andrade by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper by TKO (Punches) at 4:58 of Round 1
• Drakkar Klose def. Edson Barboza by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 3:04 of Round 2

Post-Fight Bonuses and Next Steps

The UFC awarded four “Performance of the Night” bonuses, each worth $50,000, but no “Fight of the Night” was given. The bonuses went to:

• Khamzat Chimaev: For his historic title-winning performance.
• Lerone Murphy: For his spectacular knockout.
• Carlos Prates: For his dramatic spinning elbow finish.
• Tim Elliott: For his submission victory.

With the middleweight title now around his waist, the discussion immediately turns to who will be the first to challenge the undefeated Chimaev.