The sold-out crowd at Chicago’s United Center was treated to a trio of spectacular main card finishes at UFC 319 on Saturday night, along with a new champion being crowned in the middleweight division. With that in mind, let’s take a look at what could be next for the main card winners at UFC 319.
Khamzat Chimaev
Chimaev (15-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) completely dominated Dricus Du Plessis over five rounds in Saturday’s main event, silencing doubts about his endurance in the process. While “Borz” perhaps could have pressed harder for a finish, the ease with which he controlled and dismantled Du Plessis should send shivers down the spines of the rest of the middleweight contenders.
In recent weeks, fighters like Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez have inserted themselves into the title conversation with impressive wins. Still, the consensus is that the UFC Paris headliner between Nassourdine Imavov (16-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) and Caio Borralho (17-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has already been tabbed as the official No. 1 contender fight. Whoever has their hand raised at the Accor Arena on September 6 will be next in line for Chimaev.
Lerone Murphy
UK standout Lerone Murphy (17-0-1 MMA, 9-0-1 UFC) scored the biggest win of his career in Saturday’s co-main event — and did it in spectacular fashion. His spinning elbow knockout of Aaron Pico not only earned him an extra $50,000, but also vaulted him ahead of Movsar Evloev in the race to challenge featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski (27-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC).
After five straight decision victories, “The Miracle” desperately needed a signature finish to separate himself from the pack at 145 pounds — and this highlight-reel KO may be exactly what secures him the title shot.
Carlos Prates and Michael “Venom” Page
Carlos Prates (22-7 MMA, 5-1 UFC) returned to the win column in style with a spectacular first-round spinning elbow knockout of Geoff Neal in their welterweight clash on Saturday’s main card. Immediately afterward, the Fighting Nerds representative used his mic time to call for a spot on the UFC Brazil card scheduled for the fall — a request Dana White agreed to on the spot.
Meanwhile, Michael “Venom” Page (24-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC) — who also earned a victory Saturday by outpointing Jared Cannonier over three rounds — told reporters at the post-fight press conference that he’d be more than happy to drop back down to 170 pounds and serve as a suitable dance partner for “The Nightmare” on October 11.
Tim Elliott
Tim Elliott (21-13-1 MMA, 10-11 UFC) earned his fourth win in five fights with a slick submission over Kai Asakura in Saturday’s main card opener — a victory that also came with a $50,000 bonus. At 38, Elliott remains one of the most entertaining fighters in the division and appears to have plenty left in the tank. A matchup with former flyweight title challenger Steve Erceg (13-4 MMA, 4-3 UFC) could be an exciting next step.
