C Returns to Chicago – A Night of Historic Turn arounds
UFC made its long-awaited return to Chicago at UFC 319: du Plessis vs. Chimaev, held August 16, 2025, at United Center. This marked the promotion’s first card in the city since UFC 238 in June 2019 .
Main Event: A New Era Begins
Du Plessis vs. Chimaev: Clash of Styles
Champion Dricus du Plessis entered with an 11-fight win streak and multiple high-profile title defenses .
Challenger Khamzat Chimaev, undefeated at 14‑0, brought raw power and relentless wrestling .
Underground Dominance
From the opening bell, Chimaev drove the tone. He secured takedowns in every round, mowed Du Plessis under with crushing positions like crucifix holds, and peppered him with short, bloodying strikes .
Judges scored it 50‑44 across the board in Chimaev’s favor .
Chimaev showed exceptional cardio. He sustained his punishing pace through all five rounds .
Du Plessis mounted a late rally—pushing for a guillotine and rear-naked choke—but time ran out .
Chimaev crowned himself the new UFC middleweight champion, starting what many are calling “the Chimaev era.”
Fans React
The crowd response proved mixed. Some fans jeered Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy style, craving stand-up action. Others praised his grappling mastery .
What Comes Next?
Chimaev hinted at paying respect to Du Plessis’s prowess. The champion acknowledged defeat with grace, pledging to return stronger .
Chimaev may call out ex-champion Sean Strickland—his former sparring partner—when Strickland’s suspension ends .
Co-Main Event: Spinning Elbows Steal the Show
Two first-round spinning-back-elbow KOs electrified the audience.
Lerone Murphy shattered Aaron Pico’s debut with a highlight-reel spinning elbow .
Moments later, Carlos Prates replicated the feat against Geoff Neal .
This marked the first time in UFC history two spinning-back-elbow finishes unfolded on the same card .
Murphy’s knockout earned him buzz for a featherweight title shot—possibly against Alexander Volkanovski in December .
Other Notable Wins: A Night of Finishes
Here’s a breakdown of the rest of the card’s standout moments:
Michael Page edged Jared Cannonier by decision, showcasing slick striking and crowd control .
Tim Elliott submitted Kai Asakura with a mounted guillotine in Round 2 .
Baisangur Susurkaev earned a rear-naked choke finish over Eric Nolan late in Round 2 .
Michal Oleksiejczuk topped Gerald Meerschaert with a first-round TKO .
Loopy Godinez upset Jessica Andrade by decision .
Alexander Hernandez stopped Chase Hooper in Round 1 via TKO .
In early prelims:
Drakkar Klose outgunned Edson Barboza by decision .
Karine Silva won a close decision over Dione Barbosa .
Joseph Morales closed out with a triangle choke in Round 2 over Alibi Idiris .
Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember
Bold Narratives
Chimaev’s rise: He dethroned a dominant champion. Fans now debate grappling vs. spectacle.
- Historic knockouts: Two spinning-back-elbow KOs on one card—rare and electrifying.