1. Carlos Prates Steals the Show—Then Lights Up a Cigarette
At UFC 319 in Chicago, Brazilian welterweight Carlos Prates scored a massive highlight by knocking out No.11-ranked Geoff Neal with a spinning back elbow just one second before the end of Round 1. Post-fight, Prates took a drag mid-press conference—prompting UFC President Dana White to chuckle and quip, “Who’s smoking in here?” Prates, celebrating both his win and his upcoming birthday, earned a $50,000 performance bonus for his career-defining moment.
2. Khamzat Chimaev Captures Middleweight Title—but Fans Boo
In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev delivered a dominant unanimous decision over Dricus Du Plessis, claiming the UFC Middleweight Championship with three 50–44 scorecards—extending his perfect pro record to 15–0.The SunThe Economic TimesESPN.com
He also shattered Max Holloway’s UFC record by landing a staggering 529 strikes in a single fight and achieving a historic +484 striking differential—both new benchmarks.The Economic Times
Despite the dominance, fans at the United Center jeered Chimaev’s wrestling-heavy style, labeling it “boring.”
3. Israel Adesanya: “Division Is in Good Hands”
Former champion Israel Adesanya praised Chimaev’s performance, calling it a “mess to deal with” and noting how Chimaev’s cardio improvements allowed him to smother Du Plessis throughout. He declared that the middleweight division is secure under the new champion.
4. Du Plessis Criticized for Lack of Urgency
Veteran fighter Josh Thomson observed that Du Plessis seemed to pace himself like a five-round match was still in play—failing to assert urgency early on. That approach cost him control, as Chimaev simply dominated from the outset.
5. Quick Follow-Up Bout on Tap for Chimaev
MMA analysts suggest Chimaev’s next title defense could be against the winner of Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho, who are set to fight at UFC Paris on September 6, 2025. That bout likely determines the next challenger.
6. “Venom” Page Eyes Carlos Prates for UFC Rio
Michael “Venom” Page, fresh off a unanimous decision win against Jared Cannonier at UFC 319, signaled interest in matching up with Carlos Prates at the upcoming event in Rio—quipping, “He’s not hitting me with that spinning elbow.”
Summary: Highs, Records & Rivalries
| Headline | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Carlos Prates | Explosive KO via spinning elbow, then lit a cigarette post-win. |
| Khamzat Chimaev | Middleweight champ; broke UFC strike records; faced boos for style. |
| Israel Adesanya | Applauds Chimaev, says division is in capable hands. |
| Dricus Du Plessis | Criticized for his measured, slow approach in the cage. |
| Next Chimaev Opponent | Likely the winner of Imavov vs. Borralho at UFC Paris on Sept 6. |
| Michael Page (MVP) | Wants next fight with Prates—confident about avoiding that spinning elbow. |
