UFC 319: Chimaev vs. Makhachev and Murphy vs. Volkanovski Highlight Potential Winners and Compelling Matchups

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august 18, 2025

Chimaev Ascends to Middleweight Throne: What’s Next for the New Champion?

Chicago, Illinois – Khamzat chimaev solidified his position as a dominant force in mixed martial arts, capturing the UFC middleweight championship by defeating dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on Saturday. The victory marks a pivotal moment in Chimaev’s career, raising questions about his long-term plans and potential pursuit of a second title.

Chimaev’s Dominant performance and Future Trajectory

The undefeated Chimaev showcased his remarkable skills, overpowering Du Plessis in a commanding performance. His ascent to the title was not without hurdles, navigating a complex path over the past three years. speculation now swirls around whether Chimaev will remain at middleweight to defend his crown, or follow the recent trend of champions seeking opportunities in other weight classes. According to UFC stats, Chimaev landed 216 total strikes during the bout, while Du Plessis landed 87.

The possibility of a move down to the welterweight division, where fighters like Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena are prominent contenders, looms large. This potential shift aligns with a pattern seen with other UFC champions,such as Ilia Topuria,who have explored multiple weight classes. Chimaev himself has expressed interest in competing at 170 pounds,potentially setting up a high-stakes showdown in 2026.

Du Plessis’ Road to recovery and Potential Matchups

Despite the defeat, Dricus Du Plessis remains a significant player in the middleweight division. the South African fighter is now focused on rebuilding his momentum and reclaiming his position among the elite. Potential opponents for Du Plessis include the loser of the upcoming bout between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, scheduled for September 9th in Paris. Another compelling option could be a clash with Reinier de Ridder, who is currently gaining traction within the division.

Murphy’s Stunning Knockout and Championship Aspirations

In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy delivered a highlight-reel knockout of UFC newcomer Aaron Pico, instantly elevating his status within the featherweight division. This extraordinary victory has thrust Murphy into the championship conversation, potentially earning him a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski. Murphy’s performance underscored his well-rounded skill set and finishing ability.

Additional Bouts and Potential Scenarios

Beyond the championship implications, other fights on the UFC 319 card have set the stage for intriguing future matchups. Michael Page and Carlos Prates,both welterweight competitors,are poised for a captivating clash,with the winner potentially earning a title prospect against Leon Edwards. Additionally, Baisangur Susurkaev is expected to face Bryan Battle in a middleweight contest, offering both fighters a chance to climb the rankings.

Fighter	Weight Class	Recent Result	Potential next Opponent
Khamzat Chimaev	Middleweight	Win vs. Dricus Du Plessis	Winner of Della Maddalena vs.Makhachev
Dricus Du Plessis	Middleweight	Loss vs.khamzat Chimaev	Loser of Imavov vs.Borralho
Lerone Murphy	Featherweight	Win vs. Aaron Pico	Alexander Volkanovski
Michael Page	Welterweight	win vs. Jared cannonier	Carlos Prates

Did You Know? Khamzat Chimaev has never been defeated in his professional mixed martial arts career,boasting a perfect record that extends beyond his UFC tenure.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho. Their upcoming fight could drastically reshape the middleweight landscape and determine the next challenger for Chimaev’s title.

Understanding Championship Trajectories in the UFC

The UFC’s dynamic landscape often sees champions exploring opportunities in different weight classes.This strategy, while sometimes controversial, allows fighters to test their skills against new opponents and potentially achieve multi-division dominance. The decision to defend a title or pursue another championship belt depends on a variety of factors, including fighter goals, promotional opportunities, and the competitive landscape of each division. The UFC’s recent decision to allow fighters to compete across multiple weight classes has added an exciting layer of unpredictability to the sport, keeping fans intrigued and engaged.

Frequently Asked Questions About UFC 319 and Its Aftermath

• What is Khamzat Chimaev’s next fight likely to be? While unconfirmed, a potential bout against the winner of Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev is heavily speculated, possibly at welterweight.
• Will Dricus Du Plessis get another title shot? It’s likely, but he’ll need to secure a string of wins against top contenders to regain his standing.
• How significant was Lerone Murphy’s win? The knockout victory over Aaron Pico dramatically elevates Murphy’s profile and positions him as a legitimate contender for the featherweight title.
• What are the potential challenges for Chimaev if he moves to welterweight? Cutting weight and facing established welterweight champions like Leon Edwards woudl be significant hurdles.
• Is Reinier de Ridder a viable opponent for Du Plessis? De Ridder’s recent wins make him a compelling option, although his ranking may require further matches before a title contention fight.

What are your thoughts on Chimaev’s next move? share your predictions and opinions in the comments below!