The United Center in Chicago, Illinois, was electric on August 16, 2025, as UFC 319 delivered a night of explosive finishes and a historic main event. UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis defended his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a highly anticipated clash that saw a new king crowned in the 185-pound division.

Watch the highlights of UFC 319 below:

Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev Wins Middleweight Championship

In the headline bout of UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev put on a grappling masterclass to defeat Dricus du Plessis via a dominant unanimous decision. The judges’ scorecards told the story of the fight, all reading 50–44 in favour of Chimaev. “Borz” implemented a smothering, relentless wrestling game from the opening bell, leaving the champion with no room to mount an offence. This comprehensive victory marks the end of du Plessis’s title reign and establishes Chimaev as the new, undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion.

Main Card Highlights: KOs and Decisions

The main card was packed with action, including two spectacular finishes that had the crowd on its feet.

• Featherweight: Lerone Murphy made a statement with a stunning KO victory over Aaron Pico. The fight ended in the first round at the 3:21 mark via a perfectly timed spinning back elbow.

KN😲CKED 😱UT C😵LD!

ANOTHER SPINNING BACK ELBOW! 🤯

DOES LERONE MURPHY HAVE YOUR ATTENTION NOW?! 🇬🇧 😮‍💨#UFC319 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/31DVjOLdX4

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 17, 2025

• Welterweight: In a similarly jaw-dropping finish, Carlos Prates also scored a first-round KO with a spinning back elbow against Geoff Neal at the 4:59 mark.

CARLOS PRATES WITH THE SPINNING BACK ELBOW BUZZER BEATER!!! 🚨#UFC319 | LIVE on TNT Sports & discovery+ pic.twitter.com/FnXxQCe7oX

— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) August 17, 2025

• Middleweight: Michael Page showcased his unique striking, securing a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier with scorecards of 29-28 from all three judges.
• Flyweight: Tim Elliott impressed with a second-round submission victory, catching Kai Asakura in a tight guillotine choke at 4:39.

Preliminary Card Results

The preliminary card delivered plenty of drama and finishes of its own:

• Baysangur Susurkaev submitted Eric Nolan with a rear-naked choke at 2:01 of the second round.
• Michał Oleksiejczuk earned a first-round TKO victory over Gerald Meerschaert with a barrage of punches at 3:03.
• Loopy Godínez took home a unanimous decision win against Jéssica Andrade (29–28, 29–28, 29–28).
• Alexander Hernandez stopped Chase Hooper via TKO (punches) at 4:58 of the first round.

Early Preliminary Card Results

• Drakkar Klose defeated Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 29–28).
• Karine Silva earned a unanimous decision victory over Dione Barbosa (29–28, 29–28, 29–28).
• Joseph Morales submitted Alibi Idiris with a triangle choke at 3:04 of the second round in The Ultimate Fighter 33 flyweight tournament final.

UFC 319 Bonus Awards

Four fighters received a $50,000 “Performance of the Night” bonus for their standout performances:

• Khamzat Chimaev for his championship-winning performance.
• Lerone Murphy for his first-round spinning back elbow KO.
• Carlos Prates for his spectacular spinning back elbow KO.
• Tim Elliott for his slick submission victory.

Notably, no “Fight of the Night” bonus was awarded for this event.

UFC 319 proved to be a night of career-defining moments, from new champions being crowned to highlight-reel knockouts. It’s an event that will be remembered for the pure dominance of Khamzat Chimaev and the raw power of the spinning back elbow.