On August 16, 2025, Chicago hosted UFC 319, one of the year’s most anticipated mixed martial arts events. The card featured elite fighters from across seven countries, culminating in the middleweight showdown between Khamzat Chimaev (UAE) and Dricus du Plessis (South Africa). Experts predicted a decisive turning point in the middleweight division – and they were right.
After five dominant rounds, Chimaev was unanimously declared the winner and secured his first UFC middleweight title. However, the fight made history not just because of the outcome – but because of one extraordinary number: 529 significant strikes, – reports G.Business.

Chimaev sets a UFC record: 529 strikes, total control, zero weaknesses

Never before in UFC title fight history had a fighter posted such dominant stats. Chimaev landed 529 significant strikes, setting a new all-time record and showcasing his well-rounded game.
To compare: Max Holloway’s previous record stood at 445 in 2021. Chimaev surpassed that by nearly 20%. According to UFC Stats, he averaged over 100 significant strikes per round – a pace rarely seen even in striking-dominant fighters. And he did it efficiently: his accuracy exceeded 70%, while du Plessis struggled to mount any real offense.

Tactically, Chimaev applied relentless pressure. He controlled the octagon, used angle changes to avoid counters, and mixed body shots with sharp jabs. Du Plessis, who previously dethroned Israel Adesanya, had no answer. He was forced into a purely defensive posture and lost every round on the judges' scorecards.

Knockouts of the night: Murphy, Prates, and Oleksiejczuk steal the spotlight

Beyond the main event, UFC 319 delivered several highlight-reel knockouts. British fighter Lerone Murphy made a statement with a first-round TKO against Aaron Pico. Brazilian striker Carlos Prates shocked the crowd with a devastating spinning elbow KO in the final second of Round 1 against Jeff Neal – already a candidate for Knockout of the Year.
Meanwhile, Poland’s Michał Oleksiejczuk needed just 53 seconds to flatten Gerald Meerschaert with a precise left hook, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most dangerous KO artists in the division.

Top UFC 319 Knockouts

  • Murphy (UK) def. Pico (USA) – TKO, Round 1
  • Prates (BRA) def. Neal (USA) – Spinning Elbow KO, Round 1
  • Oleksiejczuk (POL) def. Meerschaert (USA) – KO in 53 seconds

Additional results – strategy, submissions, and technique

UFC 319 also showcased strategic and technically proficient performances. Michael “Venom” Page, known for his unorthodox style, secured a decision win over the durable Jared Cannonier. Page used his reach and movement to neutralize Cannonier’s offense throughout three rounds.
In the flyweight division, American veteran Tim Elliott outgrappled Japan’s Kai Asakura. Elliott capitalized on a scramble in Round 2 to sink in a textbook guillotine choke, forcing the tap and once again proving his ground game superiority.

Who is Khamzat Chimaev? A dominant force with global appeal

Khamzat Chimaev, born in Chechnya, now trains out of Dubai and competes under the UAE flag. He trains with Allstars Training Center in Sweden and has rapidly ascended from prospect to global superstar.
Chimaev debuted in the UFC in 2020 and famously outlanded his first three opponents by a combined 196:2 strike differential. He remains undefeated at 14–0, with 11 wins by finish (KO or submission). His combination of world-class wrestling, calculated pressure, and knockout power makes him one of the most dangerous fighters in modern MMA.

What’s next? Chimaev calls out Adesanya, Whittaker, Strickland

Following his record-setting victory, Chimaev wasted no time in laying out his demands. At the post-fight press conference, he stated:

“Give me Adesanya. Give me Whittaker. Give me Strickland. I’m the champion now – they all come to me.”

The UFC is reportedly planning Chimaev’s next bout for spring 2025. The shortlist of potential opponents includes:

  • Israel Adesanya – the former long-reigning middleweight champ with elite kickboxing
  • Robert Whittaker – durable, well-rounded, with strong takedown defense
  • Sean Strickland – gritty, tough, mentally unshakable

Insiders suggest a main event in Las Vegas or Abu Dhabi is likely. Chimaev’s impact isn’t just athletic – it’s commercial. According to Google Trends, global searches for “Chimaev” spiked by 780% in the 24 hours following UFC 319. UFC’s official video of the fight earned over 8 million views in 48 hours, and sponsorship interest from Reebok and Monster Energy is already circulating.

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