UFC middleweight contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez is confident he can halt Khamzat Chimaev's ...

<p>UFC middleweight contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez is confident he can halt Khamzat Chimaev's reign.</p><p>Hernandez said Saturday night after Chimaev <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3326262" href="https://thescore.com/news/3326262">dominated</a> Dricus Du Plessis to capture the 185-pound title at UFC 319 in Chicago that he believes he'd "drown" Chimaev in the Octagon.</p><p>"Call me for the fight," Hernandez told <a href="https://x.com/CCLegaspi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1956976827571851670%7Ctwgr%5E7db022c929cd8d7ba7c7169ce43d2a83da878fe6%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fmmajunkie.usatoday.com%2Fstory%2Fsports%2Fufc%2F2025%2F08%2F17%2Fufc-319-anthony-hernandez-opinion-prediction-new-middleweight-champ-khamzat-chimaev-drown-him%2F85697862007%2F">ESPN Deportes' Carlos Contreras Legaspi</a>. "I can wrestle, I can do jiu-jitsu, I can stop all his shit, and I can shut him down. With my gas tank, I'll drown him, I promise. I'll make him f-----g work.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"So, call me, keep me in mind, guys, and I think you guys will have a new f-----g Mexican-American champion."</p><p>The UFC has yet to determine Chimaev's next opponent, though Hernandez could be in the running for a title shot. The No. 7-ranked middleweight delivered his own dominant performance in last weekend's UFC Fight Night main event, submitting Roman Dolidze in the fourth round. Hernandez, 31, has won eight in a row and is unbeaten since 2020.</p><p>Chimaev has expressed interest in making a quick turnaround to defend his belt at UFC 321 on Oct. 25 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 09: (R-L) Anthony Hernandez elbows Roman Dolidze of Georgia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 09, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Hernandez says he'd 'drown' Chimaev in fight

UFC CEO Dana White didn't expect newly crowned middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev to destroy D...

<p>UFC CEO Dana White didn't expect newly crowned middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev to destroy Dricus Du Plessis the way he did at UFC 319.</p><p>Chimaev smothered Du Plessis on the ground in all five rounds, completing 12 takedowns and outstriking him 529-45 to win a lopsided unanimous decision in Saturday's main event in Chicago.</p><p>"In the leadup to this fight, I said, 'I bet the main event is the Fight of the Night.' Didn't see that coming, but not shocked either," White <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucTenLAAfhE">said</a> of Chimaev's dominant performance at the postfight press conference. "I mean, you go in and dominate the way that he dominated, you do it the first round, more than likely you can do it the second and throughout the rest of the fight."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chimaev was favored to win the 185-pound title at UFC 319, but many believed Du Plessis was poised to give the 31-year-old Chechen the toughest test of his career. Du Plessis, who was undefeated in the promotion until Saturday and had defended the belt twice, has a strong gas tank and the ability to wear on his opponents in deep waters.</p><p>In the end, though, Chimaev delivered one of the most dominant performances ever in a title fight. Now that "Borz" is the middleweight champion, White is curious to see if his popularity will reach new heights.</p><p>"Yeah, he's a big star now," White said when asked if Chimaev could become the biggest star in MMA. "He's a big star. When you're asking me, 'How much bigger can he be?' I don't know, we'll see. But he's already a big star."</p><p>White added: "When we were on Fight Island (in 2020), (Chimaev) said, 'I want to fight next Saturday.' Ever since then, the guy's been a rocket ship. ... People love him."</p><p>The UFC CEO also praised Du Plessis for hanging tough throughout the fight.</p><p>"Getting dominated on the ground and punched in the face and elbowed, it's a very frustrating place to be," White said. "I thought he handled it well. He came out every round trying to get in the fight and trying to win. Impressive."</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: UFC CEO Dana White places a middleweight title belt on Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates after Chimaev's unanimous decision victory against Dricus du Plessis of South Africa, not pictured, in UFC 319 at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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White reacts to Chimaev's dominance at UFC 319: 'Didn't see that coming'

The Khamzat Chimaev era has finally begun.  Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous deci...

<p>The Khamzat Chimaev era has finally begun.</p><p>Chimaev defeated Dricus Du Plessis via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) to capture the middleweight championship in the UFC 319 main event Saturday night at United Center in Chicago.</p><p>Chimaev delivered one of the most dominant performances in title-fight history. He smothered Du Plessis on the ground for almost the entire bout, leaving his opponent little room to breathe. Chimaev completed 12 of 17 takedowns and amassed 21:40 of control time. He outlanded Du Plessis 529-45 in total strikes and 37-13 in significant strikes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"I don't ever have a game plan," Chimaev said in his postfight interview. "Just go in and work like I do in the gym. That guy is strong. (I) couldn't finish (him). Respect that guy. The only champion who was saying my name."</p><p>Chimaev remained undefeated with the victory, improving to 9-0 in the UFC and 15-0 as a professional.</p><p>Du Plessis praised Chimaev after the impressive showing.</p><p>"The man has incredible control on the top," Du Plessis said. "He was just like a blanket. It wasn't just a matter of strength. He wasn't that physical. It was almost as if he knew what your next move was gonna be. ... I had to decide, 'Am I gonna be on my back or have him on my back?'"</p><p>The 31-year-old Chechen took the sport by storm when he made his Octagon debut in 2020, with many predicting he would win a championship within a year or two. However, it took Chimaev far longer to reach a title shot than anyone would've imagined, largely due to factors outside of the cage. Illnesses, injuries, and visa issues slowed down his rise; Chimaev fought just once in three of the last four years.</p><p>But when Chimaev has made it to fight night, he's been nothing short of dominant - and that couldn't have been truer than on Saturday.</p><p>Chimaev scored his first takedown 10 seconds into the opening round, and that was just a sign of what was to come. He applied heavy top pressure and trapped Du Plessis in a crucifix. Chimaev remained on top for almost the entire round.</p><p>Chimaev took Du Plessis down just seconds into Rounds 2, 3, and 4 as well. Du Plessis offered minimal resistance while defending takedowns and was unable to do much off his back. Chimaev ragdolled Du Plessis for long stretches, advancing to full mount, trapping him in a crucifix again, and taking his back.</p><p>Chimaev's most dominant round was the third in which he landed a few heavy elbows and also attempted a rear-naked choke. All three judges gave him a 10-8 in that frame.</p><p>Du Plessis had a small window of opportunity in the fifth round when he got on top of Chimaev midway through but lost the position while going for a guillotine choke. Du Plessis caught Chimaev with a solid right hand. He got on top of Chimaev again later in the round and almost trapped him in a rear-naked choke, but Chimaev defended it.</p><p>"I went for it, had the back," Du Plessis said of his late rally. "I could almost taste that victory. But big ups to Khamzat. He deserves this 100%."</p><p>Du Plessis suffered the first loss of his Octagon career and first defeat since 2018, ending his 11-fight winning streak.</p><p>The 31-year-old South African captured the middleweight title in January 2024 and successfully defended it twice, beating former champions Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. The loss to Chimaev dropped him to 9-1 in the promotion and 23-3 overall.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Khamzat Chimaev of the United Arab Emirates grapples with Dricus du Plessis of South Africa during their middleweight title bout in UFC 319 at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Chimaev mauls Du Plessis to win UFC middleweight title

Lerone Murphy spoiled Aaron Pico's UFC debut in brutal fashion, knocking out the former Bellator ...

<p>Lerone Murphy spoiled Aaron Pico's UFC debut in brutal fashion, knocking out the former Bellator star with a spinning back elbow in the UFC 319 co-main event Saturday night at United Center in Chicago.</p><p>The finish came at the 3:21 mark of the first round. It was the second straight spinning-back-elbow knockout on the card - and the 10th in UFC history - after Carlos Prates <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3326223" href="https://thescore.com/news/3326223">finished</a> Geoff Neal with the same move.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEurosport%2Fvideos%2F24260453323608528%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure><p>Pico overwhelmed Murphy early in the fight, putting pressure on the Englishman and landing punches in the pocket. He also scored a takedown two minutes into the round.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>But in the end, Pico's aggressiveness caught up to him. As he was walking forward, Murphy clocked Pico with a spinning back elbow, resulting in the highlight-reel finish.</p><p>Murphy, the No. 6-ranked featherweight, improved to 17-0-1 as a professional. After the victory, he called for a title shot against champion Alexander Volkanovski.</p><p>Pico signed with the UFC earlier this year after parting ways with the PFL. He fell to a career 13-5.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Lerone Murphy of England knocks out Aaron Pico in a featherweight fight during the UFC 319 event at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Murphy spoils Pico's UFC debut with devastating KO

Carlos Prates delivered a Knockout of the Year candidate at UFC 319.  The welterweight contender ...

<p>Carlos Prates delivered a Knockout of the Year candidate at UFC 319.</p><p>The welterweight contender brutally finished off Geoff Neal with a spinning back elbow to beat the buzzer at the 4:59 mark of the first round Saturday night in Chicago.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEurosport%2Fvideos%2F1125457096106918%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure><p>It's the ninth spinning-back-elbow knockout in UFC history, according to the broadcast.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Prates bounced back from the first loss of his UFC career, a unanimous decision defeat to Ian Machado Garry at UFC Kansas City in April. The 32-year-old Brazilian is now 5-1 in the promotion, with all of his wins coming by knockout.</p><p>In his postfight interview, Prates said he wants to face former welterweight champion Leon Edwards next.</p><p>Neal returned to the Octagon for the first time since UFC 308 last October when he defeated former lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos. The 34-year-old is 1-3 in his last four outings.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Carlos Prates of Brazil yells prior to his welterweight bout in UFC 319 at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Prates KOs Neal with spinning back elbow at UFC 319

Baisangur Susurkaev has had quite the week.  The middleweight prospect was victorious in his UFC ...

<p>Baisangur Susurkaev has had quite the week.</p><p>The middleweight prospect was victorious in his UFC debut Saturday night, just four days after earning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series. Susurkaev submitted Eric Nolan in the second round of the UFC 319 featured prelim at United Center in Chicago.</p><p>Susurkaev signed with the promotion after scoring a highlight-reel finish of Murtaza Talha on Tuesday in Las Vegas. The 24-year-old Russian now has two wins in the last five days.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Susurkaev lost the first round on all three judges' scorecards after Nolan rocked him late in the frame. But Susurkaev quickly turned the tide in the second, battering Nolan with leg kicks before getting on top and sinking in a rear-naked choke.</p><p>The win lifted Susurkaev's professional MMA record to 10-0. This was his third win of the year. Susurkaev began competing in the sport as a pro in 2019.</p><p>Nolan, a former CFFC welterweight champion, was also making his Octagon debut. The 27-year-old's four-fight winning streak came to an end. His record now sits at 8-4.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Baisangur Susurkaev of Russia reacts after a submission victory against Eric Nolan in a middleweight fight during the UFC 319 event at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Susurkaev taps Nolan in UFC debut for 2nd win this week

Rising heavyweight Moses Itauma ran through Dillian Whyte to earn the biggest win of his career. ...

<p>Rising heavyweight Moses Itauma ran through Dillian Whyte to earn the biggest win of his career.</p><p>Itauma knocked out Whyte at the 1:59 mark of the first round in a DAZN pay-per-view main event Saturday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well it was good while it lasted Moses Itauma stops Dillian Whyte in the 1st rd😭😭😂🤯 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WhyteItauma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WhyteItauma</a> <a href="https://t.co/9h1IEL7Oxd">pic.twitter.com/9h1IEL7Oxd</a></p>— Unbiasedbox2 (@Unbiasedbox2) <a href="https://twitter.com/Unbiasedbox2/status/1956832448702243116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 20-year-old stayed undefeated, lifting his professional record to 13-0.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Itauma immediately displayed an edge in speed. He put pressure on Whyte and ripped hard shots to his body. Itauma wobbled Whyte with a series of punches and finally dropped him with about 70 seconds left in the round. Whyte appeared to be OK, but he staggered into his corner as he tried to stand up and the referee waved off the fight. Whyte immediately protested the stoppage.</p><p>Itauma, a Slovakian-born Englishman, is one of the hottest prospects in boxing. He holds 11 knockouts in 13 pro wins, eight of which ended in the first round.</p><p>Whyte, a former WBC interim heavyweight champion, fell to a career 31-4. The 37-year-old Englishman came in riding a three-fight winning streak and hadn't lost since facing Tyson Fury in 2022.</p>

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - AUGUST 16: Moses Itauma punches Dillian Whyte during the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title fight between Moses Itauma and Dillian Whyte on the ESports World Cup fight night at the ANB arena on August 16, 2025 in Riyadh, .

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Itauma KOs Whyte in under 2 minutes to stay undefeated

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 319 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event...

<p><em>theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks for the UFC 319 main-card bouts ahead of Saturday's event in Chicago.</em></p><h3>Middleweight championship</h3><p><strong>Dricus Du Plessis (23-2)<br>vs.<br>Khamzat Chimaev (14-0)</strong></p><p>One of the most anticipated fights of the year is here. Khamzat Chimaev will finally challenge for a title five years into his UFC career, taking on middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in what's expected to be his toughest test to date.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>What makes this matchup so exciting is its unpredictability. Chimaev could shoot a takedown and choke Du Plessis out in the first minute, and no one would be surprised. Du Plessis could survive the early storm and wear Chimaev down in the later rounds, and no one would be surprised. There are a bunch of ways it could go.</p><p>The fact that Du Plessis and Chimaev are a combined 17-0 in the UFC (and 37-2 overall) helps, too. These are two middleweight juggernauts meeting at the height of their powers. Du Plessis is an immovable object (he always wins, no matter how often it might look like he's trying to lose), and Chimaev is an unstoppable force. One of those things will no longer be true after Saturday.</p><p>Du Plessis' unorthodox style has done him wonders throughout his career, making it tempting to pick him for the upset. But Chimaev won't be denied a UFC title. Round 1 Chimaev might be the best fighter in MMA, and he'll put the pressure on Du Plessis early and maul him.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Chimaev, first-round submission</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797640/cropped_GettyImages-1748811223.jpg?ts=1755282474" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797640/w220xh124_GettyImages-1748811223.jpg?ts=1755282474 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797640/w320xh180_GettyImages-1748811223.jpg?ts=1755282474 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797640/w640xh360_GettyImages-1748811223.jpg?ts=1755282474 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797640/w768xh432_GettyImages-1748811223.jpg?ts=1755282474 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797640/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1748811223.jpg?ts=1755282474 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Featherweight bout</h3><p><strong>Lerone Murphy (16-0-1)<br>vs.<br>Aaron Pico (13-4)</strong></p><p>The UFC isn't doing Aaron Pico any favors with this debut matchup against Lerone Murphy.</p><p>There's rightfully a lot of hype surrounding Pico's first Octagon appearance, as he was a top contender in Bellator and could receive a title shot with a win. There's also a good chance Murphy plays spoiler.</p><p>Murphy is a highly skilled, tactical striker. He used a smart game plan in his last fight against Josh Emmett, peppering the knockout artist with punches and kicks from the outside. That should also work well against Pico, an aggressive fighter with devastating power.</p><p>Murphy has also fought much steeper competition. He beat Emmett, Dan Ige, and Edson Barboza in his last three fights, while Pico's biggest wins are against Henry Corrales, Pedro Carvalho, and Leandro Higo. Pico has looked terrific against the opponents he's been given, but I think it's fair to say he's never fought someone half as good as Murphy.</p><p>Although it's possible Pico is even better than we think and rises to the occasion, I'll take Murphy for the upset.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Murphy, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/514272/cropped_GettyImages-1350235723.jpg?ts=1652881650" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/514272/w220xh124_GettyImages-1350235723.jpg?ts=1652881650 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/514272/w320xh180_GettyImages-1350235723.jpg?ts=1652881650 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/514272/w640xh360_GettyImages-1350235723.jpg?ts=1652881650 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/514272/w768xh432_GettyImages-1350235723.jpg?ts=1652881650 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/514272/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1350235723.jpg?ts=1652881650 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Welterweight bout</h3><p><strong>Geoff Neal (16-6)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Carlos Prates (21-7)</strong></p><p>This fight could go either way. Carlos Prates is likely coming in with a chip on his shoulder after Ian Machado Garry halted his rapid rise in their April main event. Geoff Neal, meanwhile, owns just one win in the last three years and is looking to get back in the mix. Prates and Neal both know how to throw down and could be the front-runners to steal Fight of the Night from Du Plessis and Chimaev.</p><p>I'll take Prates, who has more upside than Neal at this point in their careers. Hopefully, he learned from the Garry fight that he needs to open up on the feet a bit more.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Prates, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754518/cropped_GettyImages-2183929349.jpg?ts=1731206497" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754518/w220xh124_GettyImages-2183929349.jpg?ts=1731206497 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754518/w320xh180_GettyImages-2183929349.jpg?ts=1731206497 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754518/w640xh360_GettyImages-2183929349.jpg?ts=1731206497 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754518/w768xh432_GettyImages-2183929349.jpg?ts=1731206497 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/754518/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2183929349.jpg?ts=1731206497 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Middleweight bout</h3><p><strong>Jared Cannonier (18-8)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Michael Page (23-3)</strong></p><p>Michael "Venom Page" looked great in his first UFC middleweight appearance against Shara "Bullet" Magomedov earlier this year and is sticking around at 185 pounds (at least for now) to try to make a real run.</p><p>Standing in his way is Jared Cannonier, who scored a massive TKO win over Gregory Rodrigues in February to snap a two-fight losing streak and remind everyone he's still one of the top middleweights in the world.</p><p>Page being the favorite over Cannonier would've seemed insane when he was competing as a welterweight in Bellator, but it makes sense now. The Englishman is a sniper on the feet and a master at controlling distance. He should be able to dodge all the big punches Cannonier throws his way.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Page, unanimous decision</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768376/cropped_GettyImages-2197116428.jpg?ts=1738437290" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768376/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197116428.jpg?ts=1738437290 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768376/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197116428.jpg?ts=1738437290 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768376/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197116428.jpg?ts=1738437290 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768376/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197116428.jpg?ts=1738437290 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/768376/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197116428.jpg?ts=1738437290 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Flyweight bout</h3><p><strong>Tim Elliott (20-13-1)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Kai Asakura (21-5)</strong></p><p>Former Rizin FF champion Kai Asakura's UFC debut against flyweight champ Alexandre Pantoja couldn't have gone worse, getting choked unconscious in just over two minutes. But this fight against Tim Elliott should produce a better result. Elliott, a 20-fight Octagon veteran, <a href="https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/08/15/ufc-319-tim-elliot-brutally-honest-gatekeeper-status/85654193007/">admitted this week</a> he's nothing more than a gatekeeper, and that's exactly the kind of fighter Asakura should - and will - beat.</p><p><strong>The pick: </strong>Asakura, second-round TKO</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797646/cropped_GettyImages-2188815410.jpg?ts=1755284857" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797646/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188815410.jpg?ts=1755284857 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797646/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188815410.jpg?ts=1755284857 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797646/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188815410.jpg?ts=1755284857 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797646/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188815410.jpg?ts=1755284857 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797646/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188815410.jpg?ts=1755284857 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/32077153/related

UFC 319 predictions: Will Chimaev seize the middleweight throne?

The UFC returns to the Windy City on Saturday night for a highly anticipated middleweight title f...

<p>The UFC returns to the Windy City on Saturday night for a highly anticipated middleweight title fight, as Chicago's United Center plays host to UFC 319. In the main event, Dricus Du Plessis defends the 185-pound championship for the third time against undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev.</p><p>Chimaev (-260), who has been heralded as a future champion since he joined the promotion in 2020, is favored to beat Du Plessis (+210) on <a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-319&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=UFC&amp;tags=UFC+319+Betting+Preview&amp;tags=3323591&amp;tags=Picks"><strong>ESPN BET and theScore Bet</strong></a> and seize the throne. Truthfully, this fight could unfold in several different ways and might be best avoided altogether. Chimaev is a monster, but Du Plessis is criminally underrated, having been the underdog in three of his last four fights (and again in this one) despite holding a perfect record in the Octagon. This is a 'dog-or-pass situation.</p><p>With that, let's move on to some of the best bets for UFC 319.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3><a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-319&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=UFC&amp;tags=UFC+319+Betting+Preview&amp;tags=3323591&amp;tags=Picks">Lock of the card: Chase Hooper (-330) def. Alexander Hernandez</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797572/cropped_GettyImages-2210001033.jpg?ts=1755201344" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797572/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210001033.jpg?ts=1755201344 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797572/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210001033.jpg?ts=1755201344 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797572/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210001033.jpg?ts=1755201344 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797572/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210001033.jpg?ts=1755201344 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797572/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210001033.jpg?ts=1755201344 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chase Hooper grew up in front of UFC fans' eyes after debuting in 2019 at age 20, and he's finally starting to come into his own as a legitimate threat in the lightweight division. Hooper has won five in a row and should have no problem keeping that momentum going against Alexander Hernandez. Look for Hooper to use his significant advantage on the ground to control Hernandez for long stretches, wear him down, and possibly lock up a submission within 15 minutes.</p><h3><a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-319&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=UFC&amp;tags=UFC+319+Betting+Preview&amp;tags=3323591&amp;tags=Picks">Best underdog bet: Lerone Murphy (+150) def. Aaron Pico (-180)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797573/cropped_GettyImages-2208751366.jpg?ts=1755201424" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797573/w220xh124_GettyImages-2208751366.jpg?ts=1755201424 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797573/w320xh180_GettyImages-2208751366.jpg?ts=1755201424 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797573/w640xh360_GettyImages-2208751366.jpg?ts=1755201424 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797573/w768xh432_GettyImages-2208751366.jpg?ts=1755201424 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797573/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2208751366.jpg?ts=1755201424 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It's surprising that Lerone Murphy is a clear-cut underdog in his co-main event clash with Aaron Pico. Yes, Pico has a lot of hype behind him coming over from the PFL, but Murphy is one of the featherweight division's top talents and has faced the steeper competition. A very technical and calculated striker, Murphy should be able to outwork Pico on the feet. All of this gives him a good chance of playing spoiler, so taking him at plus money feels like a bit of a steal.</p><h3><a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-319&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=UFC&amp;tags=UFC+319+Betting+Preview&amp;tags=3323591&amp;tags=Picks">Best prop bet: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose goes over 2.5 rounds (-166)</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797575/cropped_GettyImages-2153600244.jpg?ts=1755201489" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797575/w220xh124_GettyImages-2153600244.jpg?ts=1755201489 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797575/w320xh180_GettyImages-2153600244.jpg?ts=1755201489 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797575/w640xh360_GettyImages-2153600244.jpg?ts=1755201489 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797575/w768xh432_GettyImages-2153600244.jpg?ts=1755201489 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797575/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2153600244.jpg?ts=1755201489 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>On a card full of competitive matchups, there aren't too many props we're overly confident in. But the undercard bout between Edson Barboza and Drakkar Klose going over 2.5 rounds is a solid bet. Barboza has gone the distance in three of his last four fights, while Klose has made it to the judges' scorecards in eight of his 12 UFC appearances. Don't count on seeing a finish in this one.</p><blockquote><p><strong>👊 <a target="_blank" href="https://about.espnbet.com/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-319&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=UFC&amp;tags=UFC+319+Betting+Preview&amp;tags=3323591&amp;tags=Picks">Check out all the odds for UFC 319 on ESPN BET and theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3>Main card</h3><ul>
<li>Dricus Du Plessis (+210) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (-260)</li>
<li>Lerone Murphy (+150) vs. Aaron Pico (-180)</li>
<li>Geoff Neal (+205) vs. Carlos Prates (-255)</li>
<li>Jared Cannonier (+160) vs. Michael Page (-190)</li>
<li>Tim Elliott (-350) vs. Kai Asakura (+270)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card</h3><ul>
<li>Baisangur Susurkaev (-1000) vs. Eric Nolan (+600)</li>
<li>Gerald Meerschaert (+195) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (-240)</li>
<li>Jessica Andrade (+125) vs. Loopy Godinez (-150)</li>
<li>Chase Hooper (-330) vs. Alexander Hernandez (+260)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card</h3><ul>
<li>Edson Barboza (-140) vs. Drakkar Klose (+120)</li>
<li>Karine Silva (-220) vs. Dione Barbosa (+180)</li>
<li>Alibi Idiris (-500) vs. Joseph Morales (+350)</li>
</ul><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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UFC 319 betting preview: Is there any value on Du Plessis?

The UFC 319 middleweight bout between Bryan Battle and Nursulton Ruziboev was canceled Friday aft...

<p>The UFC 319 middleweight bout between Bryan Battle and Nursulton Ruziboev was canceled Friday after Battle missed weight, the promotion announced.</p><p>Battle weighed in four pounds over the divisional limit, coming in at 190 pounds.</p><p>UFC 319 is scheduled to take place Saturday night at the United Center in Chicago.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>This is the second straight time that Battle has missed weight for a fight. He was also four pounds over ahead of a welterweight clash against Randy Brown at UFC 310 last December. Battle defeated Brown by split decision.</p><p>Battle, 30, is riding a five-fight unbeaten streak and holds a 7-1 (1 NC) record in the promotion.</p><p>Ruziboev was seeking his third straight win. The 31-year-old Uzbekistan native is 4-1 in the Octagon.</p><p>UFC 319 <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3324975" href="https://thescore.com/news/3324975">lost two other fights</a> earlier this week after King Green and Rodrigo Sezinando withdrew from their respective matchups against Diego Ferreira and Daniil Donchenko due to injuries. The pay-per-view event will proceed with 12 bouts, including the main event between middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 15: Bryan Battle poses on the scale during the UFC 319 official weigh-in at Voco Chicago Downtown on August 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Battle-Ruziboev off UFC 319 after weight miss

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev made weight Friday before they sq...

<p>UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev made weight Friday before they square off in the UFC 319 main event Saturday in Chicago.</p><p>Du Plessis and Chimaev weighed in at 185 and 183 pounds, respectively.</p><p>Featherweights Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico were also on the mark for the co-main event. They came in at 146 and 145 pounds, respectively.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Middleweight Caio Borralho made weight as the backup for the main event, coming in at 184 pounds.</p><p>Here are the ongoing UFC 319 weigh-in results.</p><h3>Main card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Dricus Du Plessis (185) vs. Khamzat Chimaev (183)</li>
<li>Lerone Murphy (146) vs. Aaron Pico (145)</li>
<li>Geoff Neal (171) vs. Carlos Prates (170)</li>
<li>Jared Cannonier (186) vs. Michael Page (186)</li>
<li>Tim Elliott (126) vs. Kai Asakura (126)</li>
</ul><h3>Preliminary card (ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Baisangur Susurkaev (186) vs. Eric Nolan (183)</li>
<li>Gerald Meerschaert (185) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (186)</li>
<li>Jessica Andrade (116) vs. Loopy Godinez (115)</li>
<li>Chase Hooper (155) vs. Alexander Hernandez (156)</li>
</ul><h3>Early preliminary card (ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET)</h3><ul>
<li>Edson Barboza (155.5) vs. Drakkar Klose (156)</li>
<li>Bryan Battle (190)* vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (186)</li>
<li>Karine Silva (125) vs. Dione Barbosa (125.5)</li>
<li>Alibi Idiris (126) vs. Joseph Morales (126)</li>
</ul><p><em>* Missed middleweight limit by four pounds; fight canceled</em></p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 15:Dricus Du Plessis poses on the scale during the UFC 319 official weigh-in at Voco Chicago Downtown on August 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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UFC 319 weigh-in results: Du Plessis, Chimaev cleared for title fight

UFC 319 has lost two fights a little over two days before the pay-per-view event.  The lightweigh...

<p>UFC 319 has lost two fights a little over two days before the pay-per-view event.</p><p>The lightweight bout between King Green and Diego Ferreira, as well as "The Ultimate Fighter 33" welterweight final between Rodrigo Sezinando and Daniil Donchenko, have been scratched from Saturday's card in Chicago, the promotion announced Thursday.</p><p>Green withdrew from his fight against Ferreira due to an undisclosed injury, a source told <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/398960/injury-scratches-king-green-vs-diego-ferreira-bout-from-ufc-319-lineup">MMA Fighting's Mike Heck</a>. Sezinando also pulled out with an injury, his team told <a href="https://x.com/mmaprospectz/status/1956013564214345925">MMA reporter Evan Koogler</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Both matchups will be rescheduled.</p><p>Green, a 51-fight veteran, was looking to bounce back from a two-fight skid that included stoppage losses to Mauricio Ruffy and Paddy Pimblett. Ferreira was last in action at UFC 311 in January, when he dropped a unanimous decision to Grant Dawson.</p><p>Sezinando, who fights out of Rio de Janeiro, beat Diego Bianchini and Jeff Creighton to book a spot in the "TUF 33" finale. Meanwhile, Donchenko, a 24-year-old from Ukraine, topped Richard Martins and Matt Dixon on the show.</p><p>UFC 319 will proceed with 13 fights. In the main event, middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - MARCH 08: King Green of the United States looks on before his lightweight fight during UFC 313 at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Green-Ferreira, 1 other fight off UFC 319

As far as UFC CEO Dana White is concerned, Conor McGregor has a genuine interest in fighting at t...

<p>As far as UFC CEO Dana White is concerned, Conor McGregor has a genuine interest in fighting at the White House.</p><p>The promotion plans to host a fight card on the White House grounds on July 4, 2026, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence. McGregor <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3307946" href="https://thescore.com/news/3307946">said</a> last month he'd be "honored" to compete at the event.</p><p>"If you've seen, (McGregor has) been posting videos of himself training," White said on Wednesday's episode of the "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCz-IKf2KcA">Pardon My Take</a>" podcast. "He's back in the (drug-testing) pool now. He wants the White House fight.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"If he starts getting in shape and training and stays the course, that's the fight he wants. He keeps telling me he wants that fight."</p><p>McGregor, a former two-division champion and the biggest star in MMA history, hasn't stepped into the Octagon since a loss to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.</p><p>The 37-year-old Irishman was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but he withdrew due to an injury.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Conor McGregor prepares to fight Dustin Poirier in their lightweight bout during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena on July 10, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States.

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White: McGregor 'keeps telling me' he wants White House fight

Former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix's second UFC appearance is set.  Mix will face J...

<p>Former Bellator bantamweight champion Patchy Mix's second UFC appearance is set.</p><p>Mix will face Jakub Wiklacz in a 135-pound bout at UFC 320 on Oct. 4 in Las Vegas, the promotion announced Thursday.</p><p>Mix signed with the UFC after the PFL released him in May. He made his highly anticipated debut at UFC 316 in June and suffered a unanimous decision loss to Mario Bautista.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The 31-year-old Mix had won seven in a row coming into his Octagon debut. He holds a 20-2 record as a professional. He captured the Bellator bantamweight title in 2023 and defended it once.</p><p>Wiklacz, a former KSW bantamweight champion, will step into the Octagon for the first time following a five-year stint in Poland's top MMA organization. The 27-year-old Pole is riding a seven-fight unbeaten streak and owns a 16-3-2 record as a pro.</p><p>UFC 320 will feature two title fights: Magomed Ankalaev defending the light heavyweight belt in a rematch with Alex Pereira, and Merab Dvalishvili putting the bantamweight throne on the line against Cory Sandhagen.</p>

NEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 07: (R-L) Patchy Mix punches Mario Bautista in a bantamweight bout during the UFC 316 event at Prudential Center on June 07, 2025 in Newark, New Jersey.

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Ex-Bellator champ Mix to return at UFC 320

UFC 319 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Dricus Du Plessis defends the middleweight title i...

<p>UFC 319 is upon us.</p><p>In Saturday's main event, Dricus Du Plessis defends the middleweight title in a highly anticipated matchup with Khamzat Chimaev. And in the co-headliner, former Bellator star Aaron Pico makes his UFC debut against featherweight contender Lerone Murphy.</p><p>Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to the United Center in Chicago.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Will Chimaev finally reach the pinnacle of MMA?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622358/cropped_GettyImages-1748850302.jpg?ts=1711600514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622358/w220xh124_GettyImages-1748850302.jpg?ts=1711600514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622358/w320xh180_GettyImages-1748850302.jpg?ts=1711600514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622358/w640xh360_GettyImages-1748850302.jpg?ts=1711600514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622358/w768xh432_GettyImages-1748850302.jpg?ts=1711600514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/622358/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1748850302.jpg?ts=1711600514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chimaev set a high bar for himself when he arrived in the UFC in 2020. He annihilated two opponents in 10 days on Fight Island, breaking a promotional record, and immediately had MMA fans calling him a future champion.</p><p>Few would've predicted it would take Chimaev five years to get his first crack at a UFC title, but here we are. A combination of illnesses, injuries, and visa issues derailed his rapid rise, as he fought just once in three of the last four years. However, Chimaev has almost always been brilliant when he's managed to step into the Octagon, maintaining a 14-0 record as a professional and an 8-0 record in the UFC.</p><p>Finally set to square off against the UFC's middleweight champion in Du Plessis, this is Chimaev's opportunity to prove the hype is - and always was - real.</p><h3>Where does Pico fit into the UFC's featherweight division?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797419/cropped_GettyImages-2209811254.jpg?ts=1755101106" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797419/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209811254.jpg?ts=1755101106 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797419/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209811254.jpg?ts=1755101106 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797419/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209811254.jpg?ts=1755101106 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797419/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209811254.jpg?ts=1755101106 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797419/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209811254.jpg?ts=1755101106 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Roach / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There are no warmup fights in the UFC - at least not for Pico.</p><p>Once hyped as the best prospect in MMA history, Pico signed with the UFC earlier this year after leaving the PFL. He's set to make his debut against Murphy, who's ranked No. 6 in the featherweight division and has never lost a fight. The matchup is a tough one, to say the least, but we'll learn quickly where Pico stands among his peers.</p><p>After a disappointing 4-3 start to his pro MMA career between 2017-19, Pico turned a corner and has gone 9-1 in his last 10 fights, with his lone loss during that stretch coming via injury. Pico came close to a title shot under the Bellator banner and certainly has Alexander Volkanovski's belt on his mind now that he's in the UFC. Whether or not Pico will be successful on the sport's biggest stage could be decided in his debut matchup with Murphy.</p><h3>Is 'MVP' on track to become a title contender at 185 pounds?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790302/cropped_GettyImages-2197117861.jpg?ts=1749834952" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790302/w220xh124_GettyImages-2197117861.jpg?ts=1749834952 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790302/w320xh180_GettyImages-2197117861.jpg?ts=1749834952 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790302/w640xh360_GettyImages-2197117861.jpg?ts=1749834952 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790302/w768xh432_GettyImages-2197117861.jpg?ts=1749834952 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/790302/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2197117861.jpg?ts=1749834952 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>When Michael "Venom" Page signed with the UFC two years ago, there was discourse in the MMA community about whether he'd become a real welterweight contender despite being closer to 40 than 30. But Page has thrown everyone for a loop.</p><p>Page did indeed become somewhat of a contender at 170 pounds, beating Kevin Holland to earn the No. 15 ranking before losing to Ian Machado Garry. Now the 38-year-old Englishman is one win away from entering the top 10 in a completely different division.</p><p>Page moved up to middleweight at UFC Saudi Arabia in February for what everyone assumed was a one-off fight against Shara "Bullet" Magomedov. Well, Page delivered a comprehensive decision win and then decided to stay at 185 pounds for the time being.</p><p>Next up for him is a bout against former title challenger Jared Cannonier, who's coming off a knockout win over Gregory Rodrigues that ended a two-fight losing streak. If Page wins, suddenly he'll be very much in the mix as a title contender at 185 pounds - and he might have to leave welterweight behind for good.</p>

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 319

Mike Perry will return to bare-knuckle fighting for the first time in over a year when he faces J...

<p>Mike Perry will return to bare-knuckle fighting for the first time in over a year when he faces Jeremy Stephens in the BKFC 82 main event Oct. 4 in Newark, BKFC president David Feldman announced Wednesday on <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1955722233286201734">"The Ariel Helwani Show."</a></p><p>Perry last stepped into the BKFC ring in April 2024 when he earned a 60-second knockout of Thiago Alves. The former UFC welterweight then boxed YouTube star turned prizefighter Jake Paul in July 2024, losing by sixth-round knockout. Perry hasn't competed since.</p><p>The 33-year-old signed with BKFC in 2022 and quickly became the face of the promotion. He's 5-0 under the BKFC banner, which includes wins over Eddie Alvarez, Luke Rockhold, and Michael "Venom" Page.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Stephens, also a UFC veteran, has won three fights since joining BKFC in 2023. His most notable win came against Alvarez in a January main-event bout.</p><p>The 39-year-old returned to the UFC in May for a one-off fight in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa. He suffered a unanimous decision loss to Mason Jones. Stephens was previously on the UFC roster from 2007 until his exit in 2021.</p>

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Mike Perry vs. Jeremy Stephens to headline BKFC 82

Usman Nurmagomedov will defend the PFL lightweight championship in a rematch with Paul Hughes in ...

<p>Usman Nurmagomedov will defend the PFL lightweight championship in a rematch with Paul Hughes in the main event of PFL Champions Series: Road to Dubai on Oct. 3, the promotion announced Wednesday.</p><p>Nurmagomedov beat Hughes in their first meeting, earning a majority-decision victory in a Fight of the Year candidate in January. It was the final title fight in Bellator history before the PFL retired that brand.</p><p>Many in the MMA community were interested in an immediate rematch after the close fight, but the promotion went in a different direction. Hughes returned to action at a PFL Europe event in May in his hometown of Belfast, Northern Ireland, knocking out Bruno Miranda in 42 seconds.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Nurmagomedov, meanwhile, hasn't stepped into the cage since his win over Hughes. The 27-year-old Dagestani, who is a cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, has successfully defended his title three times since becoming champion in 2022. He holds a 19-0 (1 NC) record as a professional.</p><p>Hughes made his PFL debut last year following a stint in Cage Warriors. The 28-year-old won his first two fights in the SmartCage - including a split decision over former Bellator featherweight champion AJ McKee - before losing to Nurmagomedov. Hughes is 3-1 in the PFL and 14-2 as a pro.</p><p>In the PFL Dubai co-main event, Corey Anderson will face Dovlet Yagshimuradov in a rematch for the light heavyweight title. Anderson is a former Bellator light heavyweight champion, while Yagshimuradov won the PFL's 205-pound tournament in 2024.</p><p>The promotion also announced that Artem Lobov will return to MMA for the first time since 2018 for a grudge match against fellow UFC veteran Zubaira Tukhugov. Lobov and Tukhugov were scheduled to fight in the UFC in 2018, but the promotion pulled Tukhugov from the matchup after he was involved in the infamous UFC 229 brawl.</p>

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Nurmagomedov-Hughes 2 set for PFL Dubai in October

A new era in the UFC is upon us.  The promotion announced Monday its U.S. distribution is shiftin...

<p>A new era in the UFC is upon us.</p><p>The promotion <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3323495" href="https://thescore.com/news/3323495">announced</a> Monday its U.S. distribution is shifting from ESPN to Paramount in 2026 after signing a new seven-year, $7.7-billion media rights deal.</p><p>The deal will effectively end the UFC's long-running pay-per-view model. Paramount will distribute 13 numbered events and 30 Fight Nights per year on its streaming platform, Paramount+, with some marquee events also simulcast on CBS.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>What does all of this mean for the UFC, its fighters, and its fans? Here are some of the questions lingering after this blockbuster announcement.</p><h3>1. Will card quality be affected?</h3><p>It's no secret that the UFC's card quality has dropped off over the last few years. Fight Night events that used to be full of ranked contenders now often feature a rotating cast of Dana White's Contender Series alums with one or maybe two big fights at the end. That's especially true when the promotion is at the UFC Apex, where it has a minimal number of tickets to sell (though <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1954985545719058869">that's apparently changing</a>).</p><p>The one consistent bright spot throughout the ESPN era has been pay-per-view events. Some cards have been better than others, but generally speaking, the UFC has kept a high bar for its premium product - because it needs to sell pay-per-views and keep ESPN happy. Just look at this weekend's UFC 319 show in Chicago: a title fight in the main event, a total of 11 ranked fighters, and several notable veterans and prospects on the undercard. Not bad at all.</p><p>Now that numbered events will be included in a flat monthly fee on Paramount+, there's reason to believe the UFC will be less motivated to put out an attractive product. Assuming the $1.1 billion per year from Paramount is guaranteed, what will incentivize<strong> </strong>the UFC to create the biggest and best fights as often as possible? There's a real chance that some of the numbered events and Fight Nights will be indistinguishable in a world where the UFC has nothing to sell.</p><h3>2. What happens to fighters who collected PPV points?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777698/cropped_GettyImages-1233916586.jpg?ts=1743170736" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777698/w220xh124_GettyImages-1233916586.jpg?ts=1743170736 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777698/w320xh180_GettyImages-1233916586.jpg?ts=1743170736 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777698/w640xh360_GettyImages-1233916586.jpg?ts=1743170736 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777698/w768xh432_GettyImages-1233916586.jpg?ts=1743170736 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/777698/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1233916586.jpg?ts=1743170736 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>UFC fighters realize ultimate financial freedom when they become champions and start receiving a cut of pay-per-view revenue, also known as pay-per-view points. It's normally part of a fighter's contract. Conor McGregor's deal apparently ties him to pay-per-view points even when he isn't a champion. So what happens now? Will the UFC offer inflated purses to offset the change in models, will fighters earn bonus money based on viewership numbers, or is something totally different in the works?</p><p>UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is seeking answers like the rest of us.</p><p>"Is it amazing news for guys who are getting pay-per-view points like yours truly?" Aspinall said of the UFC's new deal during an appearance Monday on "<a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1954991586808586378">The Ariel Helwani Show</a>." "How does that work? I have no idea."</p><h3>3. Is pay-per-view <em>really</em> dead?</h3><p>TKO Group president Mark Shapiro started Monday by <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/1955073650832576964">calling</a> pay-per-view "a thing of the past." But by the end of the day, UFC CEO Dana White was saying the promotion could still hold a "one-off" pay-per-view event and "pay-per-view is not dead."</p><p>So which is it? Perhaps White's tune will change in five months once the ESPN deal is officially over and there are no pay-per-view events left to sell. But the UFC CEO sure does sound like a big fan of the pay-per-view model who would love to go back to it at some point. Or he's just stubborn and trying to get used to the new normal like everyone else.</p><h3>4. How many numbered events land on CBS?</h3><p>Shapiro told CNBC that "likely all" the numbered cards will be simulcast on CBS, the linear TV network owned by the same parent company as Paramount. But White later said on CBS Sports HQ that he expects only four tentpole events per year to be on the network.</p><p>Though it might be a while before we get a firm answer, White's estimate makes the most sense. The UFC will want to put its biggest events on CBS to maximize viewership, but Paramount will want the vast majority of UFC events to be on its streaming service to help boost subscriptions. One CBS card per quarter sounds about right.</p><h3>5. How much will Paramount+ prices go up?</h3><p>The idea that you can pay $7.99 a month for Paramount+ (or $12.99 a month for the ad-free version) sounds too good to be true after years of forking out arms and legs to watch pay-per-view events. Paramount+ should see a massive increase in subscribers when the UFC transitions in 2026, but it'll be a matter of time before prices also spike. Paramount just committed to spending $7.7 billion, more than its entire parent company is worth in market capitalization, and the network needs to come up with that money somehow.</p><h3>6. Where will the UFC's other programming land?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797281/cropped_GettyImages-2177523907.jpg?ts=1755010472" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797281/w220xh124_GettyImages-2177523907.jpg?ts=1755010472 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797281/w320xh180_GettyImages-2177523907.jpg?ts=1755010472 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797281/w640xh360_GettyImages-2177523907.jpg?ts=1755010472 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797281/w768xh432_GettyImages-2177523907.jpg?ts=1755010472 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797281/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2177523907.jpg?ts=1755010472 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Dana White's Contender Series, "The Ultimate Fighter," and Road to the UFC <a href="http://x.com/erichterrr/status/1955055061547037130">are not included</a> in the Paramount package, which means the UFC is actively shopping those distribution rights. Once these series are no longer on the same platform as the UFC itself (Contender Series and "TUF" are currently on ESPN), it will be fascinating to see whether that has an impact on viewership and overall buzz. Those series may need to fight for favorable treatment at a different outlet that needs programming but is less invested in the success of the UFC and, more broadly, mixed martial arts.</p>

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - MAY 08: UFC President and CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 315 press conference at Bell Centre on May 08, 2025 in Montreal, Quebec.

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6 questions hanging over UFC's move to Paramount

Rising UFC middleweight contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez sent a message to the rest of the di...

<p>Rising UFC middleweight contender Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez sent a message to the rest of the division with a thrashing of Roman Dolidze.</p><p>Hernandez won Saturday's UFC Fight Night main event in dominant fashion, mauling Dolidze on the ground before submitting him with a rear-naked choke at the 2:45 mark of the fourth round at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.</p><p>"I want a title shot," Hernandez said in his postfight interview. "What do I have to f-----g do?"</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The win over Dolidze was the biggest moment of Hernandez's career and will be on the shortlist of best performances this year. Hernandez drowned Dolidze with pressure on the feet and elite grappling on the ground, giving him no room to breathe throughout the fight.</p><p>Hernandez outstruck Dolidze 120-39 and completed nine of 11 takedown attempts.</p><p>Midway through the fourth round, Hernandez got control of Dolidze in the clinch and landed a few knees to his head. He got behind Dolidze, cinched up a no-hooks, standing rear-naked choke, and then dragged him across the canvas as Dolidze tapped out.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FEurosport%2Fvideos%2F1960552864844171%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure><p>Hernandez, who entered Saturday's main event as the No. 10-ranked middleweight, inserted himself into the title picture with the lopsided victory. The top of the division is crowded, with Dricus Du Plessis scheduled to defend the belt against Khamzat Chimaev next weekend in Chicago, and top contenders Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho slated to headline UFC Paris in September. But Hernandez is very much a player at 185 pounds and is due a big fight next.</p><p>"I want to prove that I can take a title," Hernandez said. "If it has to be a BMF title just to be a contender seat, then run it. I want a belt. I want something. I want to prove that I'm the best in the world."</p><p>Hernandez is riding an eight-fight winning streak and hasn't lost since May 2020. This was the 31-year-old's second main-event victory in his past three Octagon appearances.</p><p>Dolidze, ranked No. 9 coming in, suffered the first stoppage loss of his career. The 37-year-old Georgian's three-fight winning streak came to an end.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 09: (L-R) Anthony Hernandez punches Roman Dolidze of Georgia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on August 09, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Hernandez strangles Dolidze in lopsided UFC main event

Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will face Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Rio...

<p>Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will face Rafael Fiziev in the main event of UFC Rio de Janeiro on Oct. 11, the promotion announced Thursday.</p><p>Oliveira is returning to action less than four months after he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in a vacant title fight at UFC 317. The 35-year-old holds a 1-2 record in his last three Octagon appearances.</p><p>Oliveira will compete in his home country of Brazil for the first time since March 2020. "Do Bronx" is ranked No. 4 in the 155-pound division.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Fiziev returned to the win column at UFC Baku in June, earning a unanimous decision over Ignacio Bahamondes. The 32-year-old Azerbaijani fighter previously lost three in a row to Justin Gaethje (twice) and Mateusz Gamrot. Fiziev is 7-4 in the promotion overall and is ranked 10th in the weight class.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 28: Charles Oliveira of Brazil enters the Octagon in the UFC lightweight championship bout during the UFC 317 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 28, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Oliveira-Fiziev to headline UFC Rio de Janeiro

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Nick Baldwin

News Editor

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