UFC 319 Recap: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev – Results, Highlights, and Controversy

UFC 319 delivered one of the most highly anticipated middleweight clashes of the year, as Dricus du Plessis defended his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a brutal five-round war. The event, held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, lived up to the hype with shocking moments, a controversial finish, and post-fight drama that has the MMA world buzzing.

In this full breakdown, we’ll cover:
✔ Main card results & fight highlights
✔ Breaking down Du Plessis vs. Chimaev – was the stoppage justified?
✔ Post-fight reactions & what’s next for the middleweight division
✔ Betting recap & biggest winners of the night

UFC 319 Main Card Results & Highlights

🏆 Main Event: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight Title Fight

Result: Dricus du Plessis def. Khamzat Chimaev via TKO (Doctor Stoppage) – Round 4

Fight Breakdown:
- Round 1: Chimaev dominated early with his wrestling, taking DDP down and controlling him on the mat.
- Round 2: Du Plessis started landing heavy shots, bloodying Chimaev’s nose.
- Round 3: Both men traded bombs, with Chimaev visibly slowing down.
- Round 4: Du Plessis landed a brutal elbow that opened a deep cut on Chimaev’s forehead. The doctor stopped the fight due to the severity of the cut.

Controversy: Many fans argued the stoppage was premature, while others believed Chimaev was too compromised to continue.

Co-Main Event: Roman Dolidze vs. Anthony Hernandez – Middleweight Bout

Result: Anthony Hernandez def. Roman Dolidze via Submission (Guillotine) – Round 2

Hernandez’s relentless grappling proved too much for Dolidze, who tapped to a tight choke.

Other Notable Fights:

Jailton Almeida def. Alexander Volkov via Unanimous Decision (dominant grappling display)
Michel Pereira def. Stephen Thompson via KO (Flying Knee) – Round 1 (Knockout of the Night)
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Ricky Turcios via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2

Was the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Stoppage Justified?

The doctor stoppage in the main event has sparked heated debate:

Arguments FOR the Stoppage:

✔ Severe Cut: Chimaev’s forehead was split open, risking further damage.
✔ Fight IQ: Du Plessis was gaining momentum, and Chimaev was fading.
✔ Safety First: Nevada State Athletic Commission has a history of stopping fights for bad cuts (e.g., Usman vs. Edwards 2).

Arguments AGAINST the Stoppage:

❌ Chimaev Was Still Fighting: He protested the stoppage and wanted to continue.
❌ Title Fight Should Get More Leeway: Fans expect championship bouts to go the distance unless it’s a clear finish.
❌ Possible Early Call: Some believe the doctor acted too quickly.

Verdict: While controversial, the stoppage was likely justified due to the severity of the cut. However, a rematch is inevitable.

Post-Fight Reactions & What’s Next?

Dricus du Plessis’ Next Opponent?

Israel Adesanya: A grudge match after their heated rivalry.
Sean Strickland: If he wins his next fight, a rematch could sell.
Chimaev Rematch: Dana White hinted at an immediate sequel.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Future

Needs Surgery: The cut will require stitches, delaying his return.
Still Undefeated in Many Eyes: Fans argue he was winning before the cut.
Could Move Back to Welterweight? Weight cuts have been an issue for him.

Biggest Winners of UFC 319

Anthony Hernandez – Proved he’s a legit middleweight contender.
Michel Pereira – KO’d Wonderboy in spectacular fashion.
Raul Rosas Jr. – Showed improved grappling at just 19 years old.

Betting Recap: Who Won & Lost Big?

Best Bets of the Night:

✅ Michel Pereira by KO (+400) – The flying knee paid out huge.
✅ Anthony Hernandez by Submission (+200) – His grappling was money.
✅ Du Plessis in Rounds 4/5 (+600) – Late stoppage hit for underdog bettors.

Bad Beats:

❌ Chimaev by Finish (-150) – The stoppage ruined his backers’ hopes.
❌ Dolidze by Decision (+300) – Hernandez’s submission shocked many.

Final Thoughts: UFC 319 Delivered Chaos

UFC 319 was a rollercoaster—filled with knockouts, submissions, and controversy. While the main event ended in debate, one thing is clear: Dricus du Plessis is a warrior, and Khamzat Chimaev remains must-watch TV.