Klose (16-3-1 MMA, 10-3 UFC) picked up arguably the biggest win of his career when he outworked feared striker Barboza (24-13 MMA, 18-13 UFC) for a unanimous decision on the preliminary card at United Center. It was an emotional return to the win column for Klose, who dedicated the fight to his brother, who was murdered in 2024.

The coach of Makhachev and Khabib is not the only prominent name defending Chimaev’s approach in the aftermath of UFC 319.

UFC 319 and ESPN+: You can purchase a monthly subscription to ESPN+ and UFC 319 for $91.98, which includes your first month of ESPN+. An annual ESPN+ subscription and UFC 319 is also an option for $134.98.

UFC 319 had all the makings of a blockbuster stacked card, highlight-reel finishes, and a main event with the kind of hype that doesn’t come around too often. And while the night delivered in spades with wild knockouts and nonstop action, the headliner left some fans grumbling.

Elliott (21-14-1 MMA, 10-11 UFC) upset Asakura (21-6 MMA, 0-2 UFC) with a second-round submission to open up the main card at United Center in Chicago. Elliott, a former flyweight title challenger, pulled the upset against the 3-1 favorite.

To secure a quick title shot, the ex-Bellator standout was looking to become the first man to beat Lerone Murphy in the pay-per-view’s co-main event. Instead, though, Pico was viciously knocked out by Murphy’s spinning back elbow in round one.