Matches to Make After UFC 319

The Ultimate Fighting Championship returned to Chicago for its latest pay-per-view, which was headlined by a middleweight title clash. The UFC 319 main event saw Dricus Du Plessis put his 185-pound title on the line against top contender Khamzat Chimaev. The 12-fight card also featured key fights in the featherweight, welterweight and flyweight divisions, so there’ll be plenty of implications inside the Octagon for the rest of 2025.

Here are five matches to make for the main card winners of UFC 319.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Imavov-Borralho Winner

Chimaev (15-0) made history in claiming the UFC middleweight title by dominating Du Plessis (23-3) over 25 minutes. Still undefeated, “Borz” is now on a nine-fight win streak inside the UFC. There’s no immediate next title challenger at 185, but thankfully, there’s a suitable No. 1 contender bout already scheduled. Let’s see Chimaev take on the winner of Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, who are scheduled to fight each other on September 6. Both men are riding impressive win streaks and it’s a five-round fight, so whoever emerges will be ready for a title fight next.

Lerone Murphy vs. Alexander Volkanovski

Murphy likely earned himself a title shot after knocking out promotional newcomer with a flashy spinning back elbow. The undefeated Murphy (17-0-1) is now on a nine-fight win streak inside the Octagon. Featherweight champion Volkanovski needs a challenger, so Murphy fits the bill nicely with the latest addition to his highlight reel. Volkanovski (27-4) recently won a decision over Diego Lopes to claim the vacant title and is an all-time great. Let’s see if Volkanovski, now 36, can keep staying on top against a motivated and fresh challenger.

Related » UFC 319 Round-by-Round Scoring

Carlos Prates vs. Leon Edwards

Prates also picked up a knockout of the year contender by delivering a brutal spinning back elbow to Geoff Neal. Prates (22-7) rebounded from his decision defeat to Ian Garry in style and called out Edwards after the win. I’m not one to argue with a man that delivers such a spectacular KO, and I quite like the callout. “Rocky” is riding back-to-back defeats as he lost the belt to Belal Muhammad in one-sided fashion and then was submitted by Sean Brady. Edwards (22-5, 1 NC) is just 33 and a win against the talented Brazilian would be a great way for the former welterweight champion to show he’s back and still dangerous. Meanwhile, Prates can become a top contender by styling on a former titleholder, so this fight has huge upside for both men.

Michael Page vs. Brendan Allen

Page picked up the biggest win of his UFC career as he outstruck Jared Cannonier over three rounds. It’s unknown if “MVP” will be fighting next in middleweight or welterweight, however, if Page (24-3) stays at 185 then I’d like to see him up against another contender. Allen finally got back into the win column by earning a decision over Marvin Vettori. “All In” would make for an entertaining fight, as Page’s speed and striking could potentially give him fits, while the American has a grappling edge. It’s got Fight of the Night potential and would be a great addition to any pay-per-view.

Tim Elliott vs. Asu Almabayev

Elliott upset Kai Asakura, who he submitted with a slick guillotine choke. Now 38, Elliott (21-13-1) has proven he’s still a threat in the flyweight division. The Missouri native has now won four of his last five fights and deserves to test another surging prospect. While Almabayev came up short against Manel Kape, he's looked great in the Octagon against Jose Ochoa and Matheus Nicolau. The Kazakhstani fighter lacks a signature win and a fight against Elliott would give the 22-3 flyweight a chance to claim just that. Let's see if "Zulfikar" can rise to the occasion against a tough veteran.