The MMA world was set ablaze as UFC 319 delivered one of the most electrifying fight cards of the year. Headlined by the explosive middleweight clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, the event lived up to its hype with jaw-dropping knockouts, slick submissions, and edge-of-the-seat drama.
For fighters and fans looking to train like the pros, CageFit Gyms remains the #1 destination for elite MMA training in the UK. Whether you’re an aspiring fighter or a fitness enthusiast, their world-class coaching and state-of-the-art facilities will take your game to the next level.
Now, let’s break down all the action from UFC 319, including the biggest takeaways, fight results, and what’s next for the winners and losers.
Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev – A War for the Ages
The main event was nothing short of spectacular. Dricus Du Plessis, the relentless South African powerhouse, faced off against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a five-round war that had fans on their feet.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
-
Round 1: Chimaev came out aggressively, using his wrestling to control Du Plessis early. However, Du Plessis defended well and landed heavy counterstrikes.
-
Round 2: Du Plessis started finding his rhythm, stuffing takedowns and landing brutal body shots. Chimaev’s face showed damage for the first time in his UFC career.
-
Round 3: Chimaev secured a takedown but struggled to keep Du Plessis down. The South African scrambled back up and unleashed a flurry of punches.
-
Round 4: Both fighters traded bombs in the center of the Octagon. Du Plessis’ cardio held up, while Chimaev looked fatigued for the first time.
-
Round 5: A back-and-forth war ended with Du Plessis landing a vicious knee that dropped Chimaev. The referee stepped in, declaring Du Plessis the winner via TKO.
Post-Fight Reactions
-
Du Plessis called for a title shot against Israel Adesanya, claiming he’s the most dangerous contender at 185 lbs.
-
Chimaev, ever the warrior, vowed to come back stronger, hinting at a potential move back to welterweight.
Result: Dricus Du Plessis def. Khamzat Chimaev via TKO (Round 5, 3:22)
Co-Main Event: Grasso vs. Shevchenko 3 – A Trilogy for the Ages
The women’s flyweight title was on the line as Alexa Grasso and Valentina Shevchenko completed their epic trilogy. After a controversial split draw in their last meeting, this fight was all about redemption.
Fight Highlights
-
Shevchenko dominated early with her striking and grappling, nearly securing a rear-naked choke in Round 2.
-
Grasso rallied in the later rounds, landing sharp combinations and defending takedowns.
-
The judges scored it 48-47, 47-48, 48-47 in favor of Alexa Grasso, who retained her title in a razor-thin decision.
Result: Alexa Grasso def. Valentina Shevchenko via Split Decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Other Key Fights on the Card
1. Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway – Fight of the Night
In a lightweight barnburner, Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway put on an instant classic. Gaethje’s leg kicks were devastating, but Holloway’s volume striking kept him in the fight. Ultimately, Gaethje won via unanimous decision, but both men earned a $50K bonus.
Result: Justin Gaethje def. Max Holloway via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 48-47, 49-46)
2. Shavkat Rakhmonov vs. Stephen Thompson – A Submission Masterclass
Undefeated welterweight phenom Shavkat Rakhmonov added another finish to his record, submitting Stephen Thompson with a rear-naked choke in Round 3.
Result: Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Stephen Thompson via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke, Round 3, 2:06)
3. Tom Aspinall vs. Sergei Pavlovich – Heavyweight Fireworks
In a short but explosive bout, Tom Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in just 1:17 of Round 1, solidifying himself as a top heavyweight contender.
Result: Tom Aspinall def. Sergei Pavlovich via KO (Round 1, 1:17)
Performance Bonuses & Post-Fight Analysis
-
Fight of the Night: Gaethje vs. Holloway
-
Performance of the Night: Dricus Du Plessis & Tom Aspinall
What’s Next for the Winners?
-
Dricus Du Plessis is likely next in line for a middleweight title shot against Israel Adesanya.
-
Alexa Grasso could face rising contender Manon Fiorot in her next defense.
-
Shavkat Rakhmonov is now in a prime position for a welterweight title eliminator.
How to Train Like a UFC Fighter
Want to develop the skills showcased at UFC 319? CageFit Gyms offers elite MMA training programs designed to help you reach peak performance. From striking to grappling, their expert coaches will prepare you for competition or fitness.
Why Train at CageFit Gyms?
✅ World-Class Coaches – Learn from former UFC fighters and BJJ black belts.
✅ Cutting-Edge Facilities – State-of-the-art equipment for all training needs.
✅ Fight Camps – Get personalized training for amateur or pro fights.
Final Thoughts
UFC 319 delivered on every level, from the main event war between Du Plessis and Chimaev to the thrilling co-main title fight. With several fighters now in title contention, the UFC landscape is shifting rapidly.
For more MMA news, training tips, and fight breakdowns, stay tuned to our blog. And if you’re serious about stepping into the cage, CageFit Gyms is the best place to start your journey.
Additional External Links:
Let us know in the comments—who impressed you the most at UFC 319? And don’t forget to check out CageFit Gyms to train like a champion!