UFC 319 stormed into Chicago and delivered a night that fight fans won’t soon forget. While much of the spotlight was fixed on the main event between Dricus Du Plessis and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, the entire card—a mix of tactical ground battles, wild knockouts, and history-making moments—set the stage for a memorable evening at the United Center.
In this comprehensive recap, we break down the most explosive results from the prelims, the key trends, and what the outcomes might mean for the middleweight division and beyond.
Main Event Headlines: Chimaev Claims the Crown
Khamzat Chimaev cemented his legacy by claiming the UFC Middleweight title from Dricus Du Plessis in a fight that showcased the evolution of modern MMA. Chimaev didn’t just win—he dominated. Across five rounds, he secured 12 successful takedowns in 17 attempts and controlled the fight for an impressive 21 minutes and 40 seconds. Not only did he keep Du Plessis on the defensive, but he also outstruck him at a staggering rate: 529 total strikes to just 45.
Chimaev’s approach was relentless, keeping Du Plessis pinned or pressed against the fence and peppering him with short, sharp shots from the crucifix position on the ground. Du Plessis, a fan favorite known for his heart and grit, tried to rally with a guillotine choke in the final round, but Chimaev’s wrestling was simply too much to overcome.
All three judges scored the fight 50-44 for Chimaev, who now improves to 15-0 and stands as the new king of the middleweight division.
Prelim Fights: Fast Finishes, Flashy Knockouts
If the main event showcased Chimaev’s technical control, the prelims dialed up the chaos with creativity and power. Two first-round spinning back elbow knockouts stole the show—making UFC 319 the first event in history to see this rare technique used for finishes twice on the same night.
Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
Lerone Murphy unleashed a first-round spinning back elbow that floored Aaron Pico at 3:21, notching his ninth consecutive win. Murphy’s KO wasn’t just highlight-reel material; it also cemented his reputation as one of the featherweight division’s most dangerous and inventive strikers. Murphy mixed up his movement and pressured Pico from the opening bell, setting a pace that paid off big with the spinning elbow finish.
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal
Almost as if inspired by Murphy, Carlos Prates followed suit in the very next prelim. He landed a perfectly-timed spinning back elbow on Geoff Neal, scoring another first-round KO at 4:59—just seconds before the round ended. Prates’ knockout was significant, not only adding to his own résumé but for setting the UFC’s “spinning back elbow” record.
Technical Mastery: Michael Page Outpoints Jared Cannonier
Michael “Venom” Page delivered another clinical performance to secure a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier in the middleweight ranks. Known for his unorthodox footwork and stinging kicks, Page frustrated Cannonier over three rounds, picking him apart with quick strikes and well-timed counters. This win establishes Page as a real threat at 185 lbs, and he now stands ready for a bigger-name opponent.
Fast Submissions: Tim Elliott Taps Out Kai Asakura
Veteran Tim Elliott showed once again that experience pays dividends. He snagged a guillotine choke submission win over the dangerous Kai Asakura, cementing his spot as a tough out in the flyweight division. Elliott’s relentless pressure and opportunistic grappling left Asakura with no room to escape from the finishing sequence.
Trends & Takeaways: Wrestling Rules, Creativity Rises
UFC 319’s results point to a sport that is constantly evolving. Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy title win underscores the continued importance of grappling and positional control at the top levels. At the same time, the twin spinning back elbow knockouts reveal a surge in creative striking—fighters are not just mixing their martial arts, but they’re also taking risks to break the mold.
Some emerging trends from UFC 319:
- Aggressive wrestling wins big fights: Chimaev’s dominance, both statistically and visibly, was built on chain-wrestling pressure. More contenders are adding advanced wrestling to their toolkits.
- Finishing creativity: The use of spinning elbows for KOs shows the technical daring of the new guard.
- Versatile fighters are surging: From Michael Page’s striking to Lerone Murphy’s timed elbow, it’s clear that today’s winners have deep, diverse skill sets.
- Division volatility: The UFC middleweight title has changed hands five times in less than three years. Competition is fierce, and nothing is guaranteed.
What’s Next? Division Fallout & Future Matchups
With his victory, Khamzat Chimaev reshapes the middleweight division. His callouts post-fight suggest he may not stop at 185 lbs—rumors swirl about potential super fights at welterweight or even light heavyweight. Du Plessis, meanwhile, remains a top contender, and his performance—even in defeat—should keep him in the title picture with another strong win.
For the featherweights and welterweights who made noise on the prelims (Murphy, Prates, Page), the future is bright. With their highlight-reel finishes, expect them to feature earlier on main cards and in matchups that bump them closer to title contention.
Conclusion
UFC 319 in Chicago wasn’t just another night at the fights. From Khamzat Chimaev’s imposing ground attack to the creative brilliance of spinning elbow knockouts, the event reminded everyone why MMA is a constantly changing, always exciting sport.
As the lights dimmed at the United Center, new champions were crowned, records were broken, and the groundwork for future rivalries was laid. If UFC 319 is the benchmark, the next wave of events should have plenty of surprises and show-stealing performances in store.
To contact us click Here .
