UFC 319 Results: Khamzat Chimaev Dethrones Dricus Du Plessis in Chicago Showdown
Chicago, United States – UFC 319 delivered a night packed with drama, tactical battles, and stunning knockouts. The headline clash saw Khamzat Chimaev dominate defending middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, winning by unanimous decision at the United Center.
The highly anticipated main event, alongside several thrilling undercard fights, left fans with plenty to talk about – from shock knockouts to emotional post-fight reactions.
Khamzat Chimaev Crowned New UFC Middleweight Champion
Khamzat Chimaev, nicknamed “Borz” (meaning “wolf” in Chechen), produced a wrestling-heavy performance that secured his unbeaten record (15-0).
Judges’ scorecards: 50-44, 50-44, 50-44
Fight stats: More than 10 takedowns, extended ground control, dominant positioning
Key moment: Survived a guillotine scare from Du Plessis in Round 5
Despite boos from fans frustrated with the lack of striking exchanges, Chimaev was unfazed.
“Happy, happy always,” Chimaev said post-fight. “Get my money. Dana, save my money, brother.”
Chimaev also praised his opponent, acknowledging Du Plessis’ resilience:
“That guy is strong to the finish… this guy had great heart.”
Du Plessis: “He Was the Better Man Tonight”
South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis (now 23-3) failed to defend his title for the first time in three defences. Despite struggling against Chimaev’s relentless grappling, he nearly turned the tables with a late submission attempt.
“At the end, I went for it, had my back… I could almost taste that victory. But big ups to Khamzat – he beat me fair and square tonight. He was the better man.”
Main Event: Round-by-Round Highlights
Round 1: Chimaev wasted no time, scoring an early takedown and maintaining control. Du Plessis survived but took heavy ground pressure. (Chimaev 10-9)
Round 2: More dominance from Chimaev, who landed knees and strikes while controlling from the back. (Chimaev 20-18)
Round 3: The challenger opened cuts on Du Plessis with elbows, leaving the champion bloodied and bruised. (Chimaev 30-27)
Round 4: Chimaev continued the wrestling onslaught, executing takedowns almost at will. (Chimaev 40-36)
Round 5: Du Plessis rallied, attempting a guillotine and landing strikes, but Chimaev regained control to seal victory. (Final: Chimaev 49-46)
Other UFC 319 Highlights
The card wasn’t just about the main event – fans witnessed a series of memorable performances:
Lerone Murphy stuns Aaron Pico
Result: Murphy def. Pico by KO (spinning back elbow, Round 1)
English fighter Murphy improved to 17-0-1, extending his unbeaten run.
Pico, making his UFC debut, suffered a brutal defeat after a highlight-reel finish.
Carlos Prates flattens Geoff Neal
Result: Prates def. Neal by KO (spinning elbow, Round 1)
Brazilian fighter Prates delivered one of the night’s scariest moments, knocking Neal out cold at the buzzer.
Michael Page edges Jared Cannonier
Result: Page def. Cannonier by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The flamboyant Englishman dropped Cannonier twice but had to survive a tough ground exchange in Round 3.
Tim Elliott submits Kai Asakura
Result: Elliott def. Asakura by guillotine choke (Round 2, 4:39)
Veteran Elliott showed experience over striking power, securing a slick submission.
Other notable results
Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan by submission (R2)
Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert by TKO (R1)
Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade by unanimous decision
Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper by TKO (R1)
Drakkar Klose def. Edson Barboza by unanimous decision
Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa by unanimous decision
Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris by submission
Fight Night Atmosphere and Build-Up
The United Center crowd was electric, though their patience wore thin during long wrestling exchanges. The pre-fight press conference had already set the tone, with Chicago fans booing Du Plessis and cheering Chimaev.
Despite his rocky history of cancelled fights due to illness, weight issues, and COVID-19, Chimaev delivered when it mattered most – proving why he’s one of the most dangerous men in UFC.
What’s Next for Both Fighters?
Khamzat Chimaev: Now the UFC Middleweight Champion, speculation will turn to whether he faces Israel Adesanya in a blockbuster bout, or defends against Sean Strickland or Jared Cannonier.
Dricus Du Plessis: With his mental strength and strong striking, he remains a top contender and could bounce back quickly with another high-profile fight.
UFC 319: Final Thoughts
UFC 319 was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of mixed martial arts. Chimaev cemented his reputation as a relentless grappler, while undercard fighters like Murphy and Prates delivered highlight finishes that will be replayed for years.
For fans, the night had it all – from boos to breathtaking knockouts – proving once again why UFC nights remain must-watch sporting spectacles.
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