
UFC 319: Can Anyone Stop Khamzat Chimaev?
2025-08-18
Author: Jia
UFC 319 Review: A Night to Remember
UFC 319 served up some unforgettable moments, featuring shocking results and stellar performances that will be talked about for ages. With a mix of jaw-dropping knockouts and the rise of new stars, fans have plenty to discuss.
Khamzat Chimaev: The Unstoppable Force?
The burning question after UFC 319: Who can possibly stop Khamzat Chimaev? For many, the answer remains grim. Most analysts agree that there might be no one at middleweight capable of taking him down, with Anthony Hernandez being the only wild card in the mix. Hernandez delivered a spectacular performance, humiliating Roman Dolidze, which shows he could be a tough matchup for Chimaev.
Chimaev's dominance has been cemented, and with odds favoring him heavily against any contender, he seems invincible unless a slip-up occurs or he changes weight classes. Despite talking about potential matchups, many experts see Chimaev as a -400 favorite in nearly all his future fights.
Reinier de Ridder: The Best Hope?
Reinier de Ridder has emerged as a potential threat to Chimaev. Known for his wrestling and grappling prowess, de Ridder has a fighting style that could pose significant challenges for Chimaev. Having trained with top competitors like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns only adds to his edge. However, the consensus remains—Chimaev’s improvements and maturity are making the middleweight division a daunting battleground.
Lerone Murphy: New Contender on the Block?
Lerone Murphy shocked the audience with a knockout victory over Aaron Pico, propelling himself into title contention. Given his unexpected rise and recent win, many believe that Murphy is set for a showdown with Alexander Volkanovski.
Murphy’s victory showcased his skills and undeniably altered the landscape of the featherweight division. With fighters like Evloev out of the picture, he could soon find himself at the top.
Biggest Losers of the Night
Movsar Evloev’s hopes took a hit after watching Murphy steal the limelight. He was banking on a title shot after potentially facing Pico, but that plan crumbled. Evloev may need multiple wins to salvage his rising star status.
Kai Asakura also faced peril after two tough losses, leaving him in a precarious spot in the flyweight division—a precarious reality that could lead to an early exit from the UFC.
Who Stole the Show?
While Chimaev owned the main event, fighters like Carlos Prates and Alexander Hernandez stole the spotlight with their impressive performances. Prates bounced back with a stunning knockout, while Hernandez reminded fans of his potential with a first-round finish. Both fighters showcased the thrill of the sport and scored critical victories for their careers.
Final Thoughts
In the aftermath of UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev's rule over the middleweight division continues, while contenders like Anthony Hernandez and Reinier de Ridder are left grappling with the question—can anyone dethrone the rising star? Events like these only fuel excitement for what’s ahead in the UFC.