Khamzat Chimaev Secures Middleweight gold, Dominating Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319
In a highly anticipated showdown at UFC 319 in Chicago, Khamzat Chimaev has been crowned the new middleweight champion, defeating the reigning titleholder Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision. The bout, held on August 16, 2025, saw Chimaev control the fight with a relentless grappling approach, demonstrating why he has been a force to be reckoned with in the Ultimate fighting Championship.
The main event delivered on its promise of intense action, with Chimaev consistently imposing his will on Du Plessis throughout the five-round contest. The judges’ scorecards reflected Chimaev’s dominance with scores of 50-44, 50-44, and 50-44.
Chimaev’s Strategic Masterclass in the Octagon
From the opening moments, Chimaev executed a clear game plan, focusing on takedowns and ground control. In the first round, he secured a crucial takedown and landed effective ground and pound, despite Du Plessis’s attempts to counter. This pattern continued, with Chimaev repeatedly bringing the fight to the mat and stifling Du Plessis’s striking opportunities.
throughout the subsequent rounds, Chimaev’s pressure never waned. He maintained control, landing knees from the back and working to secure dominant positions. Du Plessis, visibly frustrated at times, struggled to find his rhythm and escape Chimaev’s suffocating grappling.
Key Moments and Results from UFC 319
The UFC 319 event featured a stacked card with several exciting matchups:
| Fight | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev | Chimaev wins | Unanimous Decision (50-44,50-44,50-44) |
| Aaron Pico vs. lerone Murphy | Murphy wins | Technical Knockout |
| Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal | Prates wins | Technical Knockout |
| Michael Page vs. Jared Cannonier | Page wins | Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) |
| Kai Asakura vs. Tim Elliott | Elliott wins | submission |
| baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan | Susurkaev wins | Submission |
| Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Gerald Meerschaert | Oleksiejczuk wins | Technical Knockout |
| edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose | Klose wins | Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) |
| Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa | Silva wins | Unanimous Decision (29-28,29-28,29-28) |
| Caartada Idiris vs. Joseph Morales | morales wins | Submission |
Earlier in the night, Lerone Murphy delivered a stunning knockout victory over Aaron Pico with a precise elbow strike. Carlos Prates also secured a TKO win against Geoff Neal, ending the fight as the first-round buzzer sounded.
Michael “Venom” Page earned a hard-fought unanimous decision win against Jared Cannonier, showcasing his technical striking. Tim Elliott submitted Kai asakura, and Baisangur Susurkaev similarly finished Eric Nolan via submission in their respective middleweight bouts.
the preliminary card also featured a dominant performance from Michal Oleksiejczuk,who secured a first-round TKO. In other lightweight action, Drakkar Klose won a decision against Edson Barboza.The women’s flyweight division saw Karine Silva take a decision victory over Dione Barbosa. Joseph Morales earned a submission win and a UFC contract against Caartada Idiris.
UFC 319 Broadcast and Schedule details
The UFC 319 preliminary card commenced at 6:00 p.m. Mexico City time, with the main card kicking off at 8:00 p.m. The highly anticipated main event,Du Plessis vs. Chimaev,was expected to start around 11:00 p.m. Mexico City time.
For viewers in Mexico, the event was broadcast on the Fox Sports signal and Fox Premium. In the United States, fans could tune in via ESPN+ and UFC pay-per-view, with DAZN providing coverage in Spain.
The Ever-Evolving Middleweight Division
Khamzat Chimaev’s victory marks a significant shift in the middleweight landscape. His consistent performance and undeniable skill set have positioned him as a formidable champion. The middleweight division has always been a hotbed of talent, and with new contenders constantly emerging, the future promises thrilling matchups and strategic battles.
Did You Know? Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant grappling style is reminiscent of submission specialists who have found great success in MMA, emphasizing the continuous evolution of fight strategies.
Pro Tip: Understanding a fighter’s preferred range and submission threats,like Chimaev’s wrestling prowess,can offer valuable insights into predicting fight outcomes. for more on MMA strategy, explore resources on effective grappling techniques and fight analytics from reputable sports science journals.
Understanding Championship Melds: What Khamzat Chimaev’s Win Means
Khamzat Chimaev’s ascent to middleweight champion at UFC 319 is more than just a title change; it signifies a potential era shift. His unique blend of powerful striking and suffocating wrestling has proven effective against top-tier competition, including the tenacious Dricus Du Plessis.this victory underscores the growing importance of a well-rounded MMA skill set, where grappling can neutralize even the moast risky strikers.
The middleweight division, known for its depth and exciting talent, continues to evolve. Fighters like Chimaev force the division to adapt, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible within the Octagon. His recent win highlights the effectiveness of a disciplined, pressure-based approach, a strategy that has been crucial for many dominant champions across various weight classes in recent years.
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC 319 and Khamzat Chimaev’s Championship Win
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who won the main event at UFC 319?
Khamzat Chimaev won the main event at UFC 319, defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision to become the middleweight champion.
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What was the result of the Dricus Du Plessis vs.Khamzat Chimaev fight?
Khamzat Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision with judges scoring the bout 50-44 across the board.
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How did Khamzat Chimaev win the middleweight title at UFC 319?
Khamzat Chimaev secured the middleweight title at UFC 319 through superior grappling and ground control, consistently taking down and dominating Dricus Du Plessis for five rounds.
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Were there any other notable finishes at UFC 319?
Yes,Lerone Murphy secured a knockout victory over Aaron Pico,and Carlos prates also won by technical knockout at UFC 319.
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Where was UFC 319 held?
UFC 319 was held in Chicago.
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How can I watch UFC 319 results and highlights?
UFC 319 results and highlights were available through various broadcasters including Fox Sports and ESPN+, with specific details provided in the article.
What are your thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s performance and his new reign as middleweight champion? Share your predictions for his next potential title defense in the comments below!
