Khamzat Chimaev Dominates Dricus Du Plessis to Claim UFC Middleweight Title at UFC 319
Chicago, IL – UFC 319 provided an electrifying night of Mixed Martial Arts action at the United Center on Saturday, August 17, 2025. The highly anticipated main event saw rising star Khamzat Chimaev decisively defeat reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship via a dominant unanimous decision.
Chimaev showcased his extraordinary grappling proficiency from the outset, securing a takedown within the first 30 seconds and maintaining near-total control throughout the 25-minute fight. Judges scored the bout a commanding 50-44 across the board, emphatically validating Chimaev’s tactical dominance, including over 21 minutes of ground control.
The victory marks Chimaev’s continued undefeated streak and cements his status as one of the UFC’s most formidable talents. He ended Du Plessis’s reign, who had entered UFC 319 on an impressive nine-fight win streak, including multiple high-profile victories against former champions.
In the co-main event, featherweight Lerone Murphy delivered a stunning first-round knockout against Aaron Pico, spoiling the UFC debut of the highly touted prospect. Murphy executed a perfectly timed back elbow, knocking Pico out cold despite Pico having controlled much of the early fight with his wrestling. Following his victory, Murphy called out reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski for a title shot slated for December, a challenge Volkanovski appeared to accept on social media.
Other notable bouts included competitive showings from fan favorite Michael “Venom” Page and former title challenger Jared Cannonier, alongside exciting welterweight clashes such as Carlos Prates versus Geoff Neal, which was rescheduled from April.
The night, filled with compelling performances and dramatic finishes, sparked buzz about UFC’s middleweight division landscape and the potential challengers who might now face Chimaev’s dominant run.
UFC 319 marked the organization’s return to Chicago for a major pay-per-view event after six years, delivering a memorable spectacle for fight fans. The next UFC pay-per-view, UFC 329, is scheduled for Las Vegas and is expected to continue the momentum generated at UFC 319.
Main Card Results – UFC 319 at United Center, Chicago:
- Khamzat Chimaev def. Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) – New UFC Middleweight Champion
- Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico via first-round knockout
- Michael Page vs. Jared Cannonier – fight details pending
- Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal – fight rescheduled from April, outcome notable
With his overwhelming victory at UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev is poised to be a new force in the middleweight division, raising questions about future matchups and potential challengers eager to test the new champion.