Lerone Murphy Stuns Aaron Pico with Spinning Elbow KO at UFC 319

Lerone Murphy Knocks Out Pico to Enter UFC Title Picture

Britain’s Lerone Murphy made a huge statement at UFC 319 in Chicago, knocking out Aaron Pico with a spectacular spinning back elbow in the first round to extend his unbeaten record to 17 fights.

Murphy Delivers Highlight-Reel Finish

Taking the fight on just three weeks’ notice, Murphy weathered Pico’s aggressive start before landing the decisive blow at 3:12 of the opening round.

The knockout was the biggest win of his career and propelled him into the featherweight title conversation.

“This sport’s all about moments and I just created one,” said Murphy, who immediately called out champion Alexander Volkanovski.

UFC president Dana White rewarded the Brit with a $50,000 performance bonus, while commentator Daniel Cormier tipped him as the next title challenger.

Michael ‘Venom’ Page Outpoints Cannonier

Fellow Brit Michael Page also impressed, earning a unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier at middleweight.

“MVP” dropped Cannonier in both the first and second rounds with his trademark speed and unorthodox style, entertaining fans with showboating and distance control.

The win was Page’s third in four UFC fights since joining from Bellator, moving him closer to a long-awaited title shot.

Chimaev Destroys Du Plessis to Claim Middleweight Title

In the main event, Khamzat Chimaev delivered one of the most dominant displays in UFC history, dismantling Dricus du Plessis to win the middleweight title.

Chimaev landed a record 529 strikes while controlling the fight for over 21 minutes on the ground. Judges scored it 50-44 across the board.

The victory cements Chimaev, 31, as one of the UFC’s most formidable champions after visa issues and injuries had stalled his rise in recent years.

What’s Next

• Murphy has positioned himself for a shot at Volkanovski’s featherweight belt.

• Page moves closer to a middleweight title eliminator fight.

• Chimaev now stands as the UFC’s most dominant new champion, with potential challengers lining up in the middleweight division.