UPDATE: Khamzat Chimaev has officially captured the middleweight title at UFC 319, defeating Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision in a dominant performance on October 14, 2023, in Chicago. Chimaev, now boasting a record of 15-0, showcased his grappling prowess throughout the fight, controlling Du Plessis for the majority of the match as all three judges scored it 50-44.
Chimaev exploded out of his corner, executing a takedown in the opening seconds and maintaining ground control nearly the entire first round. Although Du Plessis, now 23-3, managed to avoid significant damage early on, he struggled to counter Chimaev’s relentless attack.
In the second and third rounds, Chimaev’s grappling skills began to wear down Du Plessis. By the third round, Chimaev landed a flurry of strikes while Du Plessis was pinned on his back. UFC President Dana White commented on the fight, stating, “Nobody wants to be in a crucifix getting punched in the head like that… Just getting dominated on the ground like the way he did is no fun for everybody.”
Despite a late surge in the fifth round, where Du Plessis attempted a guillotine and managed a takedown, it was insufficient to shift the fight’s momentum. “He beat me fair and square tonight; he was the better man tonight. I’ll be back,” said Du Plessis after the match.
The event marked the UFC’s return to Chicago after a six-year hiatus, making it the highest-grossing event at the United Center. The main card was filled with excitement, including two stunning first-round finishes by Carlos Prates and Lerone Murphy, both via spinning elbows.
Lerone Murphy, who stepped in on just three weeks’ notice, faced a challenging start against Aaron Pico but ended Pico’s night decisively with a right spinning elbow. Murphy’s victory positions him for a potential title shot against Alex Volkanovski in the featherweight division.
Carlos Prates also made headlines, achieving the ninth spinning elbow finish in UFC history by knocking out Geoff Neal, who suffered his first knockout loss. White has promised Prates a fight in his home country of Brazil on October 11 in Rio de Janeiro.
Additionally, Michael Page secured a unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier in the middleweight division, showcasing his striking skills with a knockdown in the first round, followed by a combination that cemented his win in the second round.
Timothy Elliott opened the main card with an impressive guillotine submission over Kai Askura in the second round, turning the fight around after being outstruck early.
This thrilling evening at UFC 319 not only solidified Chimaev’s status as a formidable champion but also highlighted the continuing evolution and excitement in the sport. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching for what’s next for the new middleweight champion and the other fighters who shone in the octagon.
