The Windy City witnessed a seismic shift in the UFC’s middleweight landscape as Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev put on a grappling clinic to dethrone Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis and claim the championship belt at UFC 319. The electric atmosphere in the United Center on August 16, 2025, was matched by the explosive action inside the Octagon, delivering a night of unforgettable fights and shocking finishes.
From the moment the main event began, it was clear that Chimaev’s game plan was to neutralize the formidable striking of Du Plessis. “Borz” wasted no time in securing takedowns, controlling the fight on the mat for the majority of the 25-minute contest. Despite a valiant effort from the South African champion, he had no answer for the relentless pressure and superior wrestling of Chimaev. The judges’ scorecards told the story of a dominant performance, cementing Chimaev’s place at the top of the 185-pound division. How will the rest of the middleweight contenders stack up against this new, formidable champion?
What were the most shocking moments of UFC 319?
While the main event was a display of sheer dominance, the rest of the card was filled with moments that had fans on their feet. In what will surely be a “Knockout of the Year” contender, Lerone “The Miracle” Murphy silenced the doubters with a spectacular spinning back elbow that sent Aaron Pico to the canvas in the first round of the co-main event. In an almost unbelievable turn of events, Carlos “The Natural” Prates mirrored this incredible feat with a spinning back elbow of his own to finish Geoff “Handz of Steel” Neal. These back-to-back, highlight-reel knockouts will be replayed for years to come.
How did the rest of the main card unfold?
The main card delivered on its promise of exciting matchups. Michael “Venom” Page’s unique and unpredictable striking style was on full display as he outpointed the powerful Jared “The Killa Gorilla” Cannonier in a tactical middleweight bout. Veteran flyweight Tim Elliott demonstrated his grappling prowess, securing a submission victory over the dangerous Kai Asakura. Each of these fights added to the incredible narrative of a night filled with both technical skill and raw power.
What were the standout performances on the prelims?
The action wasn’t just limited to the main card. The preliminary bouts showcased the depth of talent in the UFC. Baysangur Susurkaev made a statement in the middleweight division with a decisive victory. Michał Oleksiejczuk also put on an impressive performance, showcasing his power. In the women’s strawweight division, Loopy Godinez continued her rise through the ranks with a hard-fought win. These fighters are undoubtedly names to watch in their respective divisions.
The night was filled with incredible displays of heart and skill from every fighter who stepped into the Octagon. UFC 319 will be remembered as the night a new middleweight king was crowned and for the breathtaking knockouts that left the world in awe. As the dust settles in Chicago, the ramifications of this event will be felt across the UFC for months to come. What was your favorite moment from this unforgettable night of fights?
