Quick Read
- Khamzat Chimaev dominated Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 to claim the middleweight title.
- The event showcased spectacular knockouts, including Lerone Murphy’s spinning elbow finish.
- Financial rewards for compliance pay highlighted veteran fighters like Tim Elliott and Jessica Andrade.
- Rising star Baisangur Susurkaev made an impressive UFC debut and predicted a championship within two years.
- Speculation surrounds Chimaev’s next opponent, with potential matchups across weight classes.
The United Center in Chicago was electrified on August 17, 2025, as UFC 319 brought fans a night of unforgettable performances and a new middleweight champion. Khamzat Chimaev, one of the UFC’s most promising stars, secured a dominant victory over Dricus du Plessis, cementing his place at the top of the division. Alongside Chimaev’s triumph, the event showcased spectacular knockouts, rising stars, and intriguing possibilities for future matchups.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Reign Begins
Khamzat Chimaev’s victory over Dricus du Plessis was nothing short of dominant. Over five rounds, Chimaev controlled the fight using his signature grappling techniques, particularly the crucifix position, which left du Plessis unable to mount any significant offense. According to Sherdog, Chimaev landed a staggering 529 strikes compared to du Plessis’ 45 and secured 12 takedowns. This performance silenced critics who questioned his stamina and ability to maintain dominance in a five-round fight.
“Nobody can take me down, hold me down. I do this a lot in training,” Chimaev remarked at the post-fight press conference. His confidence extends beyond his middleweight title, as he expressed interest in competing across multiple weight classes in the future. Speculation is rife about a potential matchup with Islam Makhachev or Jack Della Maddalena, adding to the excitement surrounding Chimaev’s next move.
Financial Highlights and Compliance Pay
UFC 319 also spotlighted the financial rewards fighters receive for their participation. As reported by Bloody Elbow, Chimaev earned $32,000 in compliance pay for his fight week obligations, while du Plessis out-earned him with $42,000 due to his champion status prior to the event. The compliance pay system rewards fighters based on their tenure and roles, with champions and title challengers receiving the highest payouts.
Veteran fighters like Tim Elliott, Jessica Andrade, and Edson Barboza, each with over 21 UFC fights, earned the maximum $21,000 for non-title bouts. Additionally, performance bonuses of $50,000 were awarded to four fighters, including Chimaev, for their standout displays. Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates delivered spectacular spinning elbow knockouts, while Tim Elliott secured a submission victory, making them deserving recipients of these bonuses.
Breakout Performances and Rising Stars
Beyond Chimaev’s win, UFC 319 served as a platform for emerging talent. Lerone Murphy’s first-round spinning elbow knockout of Aaron Pico captured the co-main event spotlight. According to ESPN, Murphy’s performance has positioned him as a potential challenger for featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. This marks a significant career milestone for Murphy, who entered the fight as a late replacement but left as a top contender.
Another standout was Baisangur Susurkaev, a 24-year-old middleweight prospect who competed twice in just five days. After earning a UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series, Susurkaev made an impressive debut by submitting Eric Nolan. Speaking to Cageside Press, Susurkaev confidently predicted he would become a UFC champion within two years. Despite dealing with minor injuries, he remains eager to compete again before the end of 2025.
What Lies Ahead for UFC 319 Fighters
As the dust settles on UFC 319, attention turns to what’s next for its participants. For Chimaev, potential matchups with the winner of the Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev fight or the victor of the upcoming Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho bout could shape the future of the middleweight division. Meanwhile, du Plessis is likely to face another top-five contender as he begins his journey back to title contention.
Lerone Murphy’s emphatic win has placed him on the cusp of a title shot against Volkanovski, while Carlos Prates and Michael Page could meet in a thrilling welterweight clash. As for Susurkaev, his rapid rise continues to generate excitement, with fans eagerly anticipating his next move.
UFC 319 was a night to remember, not only for its high-level competition but also for the storylines it set in motion. As the fighters look ahead to their next challenges, fans can expect the drama and excitement to continue in the Octagon.