UFC 319 delivered one of the most exciting nights in recent memory, with new champions, highlight-reel knockouts, and breakout performances.
In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev finally fulfilled his championship dreams by defeating Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision to become the new UFC Middleweight Champion. Chimaev remained undefeated and controlled the fight from start to finish, earning his place at the top of the division. The win marks a new era in the middleweight division, with “Borz” now wearing the crown.
The co-main event was just as explosive. Lerone Murphy stole the spotlight with a devastating spinning back elbow knockout that stopped Aaron Pico in his tracks. Murphy spoiled Pico’s UFC debut in brutal fashion and called for a title shot and Alexander Volkanoski, the bantamweight champion has called for a title fight with Lerone Murphy in December. This was one of two spinning back elbow knockouts on the night, as Carlos Prates also delivered a jaw-dropping finish when he became the first fighter to ever knock out Geoff Neal. Prates added his name to the history books with the ninth spinning elbow KO in UFC history.
Michael ‘Venom’ Page picked up a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier. MVP scored multiple knockdowns early in the fight and held on through a late push from Cannonier to secure the win. Page is now 2-0 in the middleweight division and continues to impress with his unique striking style.
Veteran flyweight Tim Elliott proved he’s still got it, submitting Kai Asakura in the second round. It was a big win for Elliott, who used his grappling experience to lock in the finish and turn back the clock.
The prelims delivered plenty of action as well. Baysangur Susurkaev made history by winning his UFC debut just four days after competing on Dana White’s Contender Series. He submitted Eric Nolan in the second round with a rear-naked choke, becoming the fastest fighter to ever transition from DWCS to a UFC win. Michal Oleksiejczuk added another first-round finish to his record by stopping Gerald Meerschaert in just over three minutes, showing his power once again. Joseph Morales also picked up an impressive submission victory with a triangle choke in the second round over Alibi Idris.
Elsewhere on the card, Loopy Godinez defeated former champion Jessica Andrade by unanimous decision, Alexander Hernandez stopped Chase Hooper with a TKO at the end of the first round, Drakkar Klose edged out Edson Barboza on the scorecards, and Karine Silva earned a hard-fought decision over Dione Barbosa.
UFC 319 was a night full of unforgettable moments, with Khamzat Chimaev rising to the top as the new middleweight champion and several fighters making big statements that shook up their divisions.
