UFC 319 Prelims Deliver Big Finishes and Rising Stars in Chicago
The prelims for UFC 319, held at the United Center in Chicago, truly set the stage for an action-packed night before the main card. Fans who tuned in early were treated to a mix of slick submissions, brutal knockouts, and some gritty back-and-forth battles that showed just how stacked this card really was.
The evening opened with a milestone moment as Joseph Morales captured The Ultimate Fighter season 33 flyweight crown. He showed composure and patience, steadily working his way into dominant positions before finally locking in a triangle choke in round two to secure the victory. With that win, Morales not only took home the tournament title but also earned his way back into the UFC spotlight after years of grinding.
From there, the action kept rolling. One of the biggest highlights came courtesy of Baisangur Susurkaev, who was only days removed from earning his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. Despite some adversity in the opening round, he came storming back in the second. Chopping away at his opponent with leg kicks, he created the opening he needed, took the back, and sealed the deal with a rear-naked choke. At just 10-0 as a professional, his debut sent a clear message that a new contender may be rising fast in the middleweight ranks.
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Michal Oleksiejczuk also made a statement by blasting through veteran Gerald Meerschaert in the very first round. With confidence and precision, he pressed forward, landed heavy shots, and closed the show with a powerful flurry that forced the referee to step in. That victory marked his second first-round finish of the year and showed that he may be hitting his stride in the division.
In another standout performance, Loopy Godinez put together the biggest win of her career. Facing former champion Jessica Andrade, she showcased sharper striking and steady composure. While Andrade had her moments, especially in the later rounds, Godinez’s cleaner work was enough to sway all three judges for a unanimous decision win. That victory should move her higher in the strawweight rankings and solidify her status as a legitimate contender.
Alexander Hernandez delivered fireworks as well. Just seconds before the end of the first round, he cracked Chase Hooper with a devastating right hand and followed up with relentless strikes until the referee had no choice but to stop the fight. That made it three straight wins for Hernandez at lightweight, and it seems he is finally putting all the pieces together in his career.
The prelims also featured Drakkar Klose grinding out a well-earned decision over Edson Barboza, Karine Silva edging out Dione Barbosa in a close rematch, and plenty of high-paced action that kept the Chicago crowd buzzing.
By the time the main card was ready to kick off, the stage had been perfectly set. The prelims not only offered entertainment but also gave fans a glimpse of rising talents who could shape the UFC’s future. From Morales’s tournament triumph to Susurkaev’s dream debut, the night reminded everyone why catching the prelims is always worth it.
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