In a dominant display of grappling and control, Khamzat Chimaev secured the UFC Middleweight Championship by defeating defending champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago. Chimaev's relentless wrestling overwhelmed du Plessis, leading to a unanimous decision victory with all three judges scoring the bout 50-44 in his favor.

From the opening bell, Chimaev showcased his superior wrestling skills, executing multiple takedowns and maintaining dominant positions throughout the fight. His ground control was evident, as he spent over 21 minutes of the 25-minute bout on top, landing effective ground strikes and threatening with submissions. Du Plessis, known for his resilience, struggled to find his rhythm against Chimaev's relentless pressure.

Despite a brief offensive push in the final round, where du Plessis attempted a guillotine choke, Chimaev's dominance remained unchallenged. After the fight, Chimaev praised his opponent's strength and spirit, referring to him as a "real African lion." Du Plessis graciously accepted the defeat, acknowledging Chimaev's superiority and expressing his intent to reclaim the belt in the future.

In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy delivered a stunning performance by knocking out Aaron Pico with a spinning back elbow at 3:21 of the first round. This victory extended Murphy's undefeated streak to 17-0-1 and positioned him for a potential featherweight title shot against Alexander Volkanovski in December.

Other notable fights included Carlos Prates' first-round knockout of Geoff Neal with a spinning back elbow, marking the ninth such finish in UFC history. Michael "Venom" Page secured a unanimous decision victory over Jared Cannonier, and Timothy Elliott scored an upset submission win in the flyweight division against Kai Asakura.

UFC 319 not only showcased exceptional athleticism and skill but also marked a historic night in Chicago, with fans witnessing the crowning of a new middleweight champion and several memorable finishes that will be remembered for years to come.