UFC: The Ultimate MMA Showdown

The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) is the global leader in professional mixed martial arts (MMA), showcasing elite-level bouts featuring thrilling stand-up striking, high-stakes ground battles, and the rise of modern legends like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and the newly crowned king—Khamzat Chimaev.

UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev—What Happened?

UFC 319, officially titled Du Plessis vs. Chimaev, occurred on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Fight Outcome:

• Khamzat Chimaev defeated defending champion Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision (50-44 across all scorecards), capturing the UFC Middleweight Championship.

• He dominated with 12 takedowns, one of the highest numbers for a middleweight title fight since 2015 ESPN.comMMA Fighting.

• Total strikes landed: a staggering 529 vs. 45 in favor of Chimaev.

• Du Plessis showed resilience, but his offense was minimal—attempts only came late with guillotine tries in round five.

Atmosphere & Reactions:

• The crowd in Chicago voiced discontent, booing the grappling-heavy main event despite Chimaev’s technical mastery The Sun.

• Post-fight, Chimaev praised Du Plessis as a “real lion.” Du Plessis admitted Chimaev’s strategic dominance and vowed to regain his title.

UFC 319 Results & UFC Fight Card Breakdown

Main Card Highlights:

• Chimaev def. Du Plessis – Middleweight title change via unanimous decision.

• Lerone Murphy KO’d Aaron Pico with a spinning elbow (featherweight) in Round 1.

• Carlos Prates also scored a spinning-elbow KO over Geoff Neal (welterweight).

• Michael Page beat Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision (29-28 each).

• Tim Elliott submitted Kai Asakura via guillotine in Round 2.

Preliminary Card Highlights:

• Baisangur Susurkaev submitted Eric Nolan (rear-naked choke, Round 2).

• Michał Oleksiejczuk TKO’d Gerald Meerschaert in Round 1 Wikipedia.

• Loopy Godínez defeated Jessica Andrade via unanimous decision.

• Alexander Hernandez TKO’d Chase Hooper (Round 1).

Early Prelims:

• Drakkar Klose beat Edson Barboza by unanimous decision (29-28).

• Karine Silva defeated Dione Barbosa via unanimous decision.

• Joseph Morales submitted Alibi Idiris (triangle choke, Round 2).

UFC Tonight / UFC Live / UFC Live Stream Free / How to Watch UFC 319

For fans searching “UFC tonight” or “UFC fight tonight”, UFC 319 was available globally via ESPN+ PPV (U.S.) and streamed live through ESPN+, Disney+, and ESPN2 for prelims

Streaming Notes:

• Early prelims began at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and streamed on ESPN+ / Disney+.

• Prelims started at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, with the main card available via ESPN+ PPV starting around 10 p.m. ET.

While many search “free UFC live stream”—including terms like “crackstreams UFC 319”—it’s important to note that unofficial streams are illegal and pose security risks. The safest route remains through official platforms like ESPN+ and Disney+.

Inside the Mind: Chimaev vs Du Plessis & Fighter Profiles

Khamzat Chimaev: The Dominant Force

• Nicknamed “Borz”, Chimaev entered UFC 319 undefeated at 15-0.

• Fighting out of the United Arab Emirates, he’s known for explosive grappling, quick finishes, and now has added middleweight gold to his résumé.

Dricus du Plessis (DDP): The Fallen King

• Former UFC Middleweight Champion and respected striker (notable wins vs. Israel Adesanya, Whittaker, Strickland).

• Entered UFC 319 defending with a 9-0 UFC run and an 11-fight win streak.

• Despite the loss, he remains a top contender in the division.

Where Are They From?

• Khamzat Chimaev is from Chechnya but currently is based in and representing the United Arab Emirates.

• Dricus Du Plessis hails from South Africa and brought a powerful striking background to the title defense.

UFC Middleweight Division & Rankings 2025

The middleweight division (185 lbs / 84 kg) remains one of the most competitive in the UFC. With Chimaev now champion and Du Plessis still ranked among the elite, the division’s depth continues to impress.

UFC rankings for 2025 reflect:

• Chimaev as newly crowned champion and undefeated force.

• Du Plessis, despite losing the title, retains a spot among the top contenders, along with names like Israel Adesanya, Kamaru Usman, and Reinier de Ridder (who competes in other MMA promotions but occasionally appears in rankings discourse).

Reddit & Fan Reactions, UFC Reddit Buzz

Discourse on UFC Reddit, discussions on “UFC tonight”, “UFC 319 results”, and free stream hunting was feverish. Pros chimed in:

“If Chimaev doesn’t take him out in the 1st couple rounds… I’m afraid DDP will take it home.”
— Kelvin Gastelum

“The strikers have been on a streak… it’s time a grappler wins.”
— Belal Muhammad

These reflect the mixed expectations before the bout and underscored how dominant Chimaev’s grappling was on fight night.

Summary Table: UFC 319 At a Glance

What’s Next? What Are Fans Asking?

• Khamzat Chimaev next fight: With middleweight gold, speculation grows around whether he’ll unify or move to welterweight/light heavyweight.

• Du Plessis rematch: Fans want a redemption bout, and he remains a prime challenger.

• Streaming access & UFC tonight: Continued interest in legal platforms and alternative viewing for global audiences.

• UFC 320 and future events: What’s next for the UFC calendar, rankings shifts, and undercard boosts.