Published On: Wed, Aug 20th, 2025

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, Aug. 19: Khamzat Chimaev takes No. 1

The latest event in the UFC pay-per-view shook up the rankings in multiple divisions.

In the main event of UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev dethroned Dricus Du Plessis in a dominating performance from beginning to end. The new middleweight champion takes the No. 1 spot in the 185-pound division, bumping Du Plessis down to No. 2.

In the co-feature, undefeated featherweight contender Lerone Murphy flattened newcomer Aaron Pico with a beautiful spinning elbow for an emphatic first-round finish. Murphy launches up to No. 3 in the 145-pound division as he nears a shot at Alexander Volkanovski's title.

Check out all of the moves in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings.

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: MMA Junkie rankings, Aug. 18: Khamzat Chimaev takes No. 1


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