Irreverent and precise, Michael Page controls Jared Cannonier and secures another victory at UFC 319

Irreverent and precise, Michael Page control Jared Cannonier and packs a new victory in UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC News

Michael Page lived up to his reputation as a performative and precise martial artist. In UFC 319, held this Saturday (16), in Chicago (USA), the Englishman shone again. With a lot of movement, provocations and clean blows, 'MVP' defeated Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision in the opening of the main card of the night, in a fight valid for the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).

As a result, Michael Page achieves his third victory in four UFC fights and extends his professional record to 24 wins and three losses to confirm himself as a dangerous name in the middleweight elite.

See too

Chimaev's pupil gets a scare, but turns the fight around in his UFC 319 debut and earns his second victory in just four days

Jessica Bate-Estaca suffers from her opponent's boxing and is defeated at UFC 319

Almost knocked out, Edson Barboza puts up a tough fight, but loses at UFC 319

Yes, Jared Cannonier, 41, suffers another defeat and may have ended his run near the top of the division. Despite his effort and a final attempt on the ground, the American couldn't keep up with MVP's pace and unpredictability.

A show apart! Michael Page dominates Cannonier and wins by decision at UFC 319

From the first minute, Page imposed his unmistakable style: side steps, low hands, and surgical precision. In the opening round, he landed a clean right hand that dropped Cannonier, who fell to his knees. MVP coolly mocked and signaled with his hand for his opponent to calm down before rejoining the fight. The American veteran attempted to counter with takedown attempts, but to no avail against the Brit's sharp defense.

In the second round, Page literally danced, using his fluid movement to control the distance and destabilize Cannonier. A precise hook rocked his opponent, but the Englishman preferred to maintain his rhythm and continue playing around, rather than seeking a stoppage. Cannonier managed to land a takedown at the end of the round, but was ineffective on the ground.

In the third and final round, a balance error by Michael gave the American a rare opportunity. Cannonier landed on top, got into mount, and threatened an armbar, but his positional control was fleeting. MVP recovered, started moving again, and secured his dominance in the eyes of the judges.

Tim Elliott silences critics, submits Asakura and shines in the opening of the UFC 319 main card

Tim Elliott silences critics, finishes Asakura and shines in the opening of the main card of UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC News

At the opening of the main card of the UFC 319, held this Saturday (16th) gave experience against hype. Tim Elliott, a veteran of the flyweight division (up to 56,7 kg), ignored his underdog status and submitted the Japanese Kai Asakura in the second round. He dashed expectations surrounding the Asian star's rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

At 38, Elliott entered the Octagon amidst the suspicions of fans and bookmakers, but he responded as he knows how: with high-level grappling, constant pressure, and a precise rear-naked choke. The victory came with authority and put the former Titan FC champion back in the spotlight in the division.

Kai Asakura, in turn, remains winless in the UFC. After debuting directly in a title fight in the UFC 310, when it was completed by Alexandre pantoja, the Japanese fighter suffered his second consecutive defeat, once again being outclassed on the ground. A former Rizin champion and social media phenomenon, he has yet to translate his success from Japan to the world's most famous octagon.

UFC 319 results

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Khamzat Shimaev derrotou Dricus Du Plessis by unanimous decision of the judges (50-44, 50-44, 50-44) – fight for the belt

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerone murphy defeated Aaron Pico by knockout (spinning elbow) at 3:21 of the first round

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Carlos Prates derrotou Geoff neal by knockout (spinning elbow) at 4:59 of the first round

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Michael Page derrotou Jared Cannonier by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Tim Elliott derrotou Kai Asakura by submission (guillotine) at 4:39 of R2

PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baysangur Susurkaev defeated Eric Nolan by submission (rear naked choke) at 2:01 of R2

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Michal Oleksiejczuk derrotou Gerald meerschaert by technical knockout at 3m03sec of R1

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Lupita Godinez derrotou Jessica Stacker by unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Alexander Hernandez derrotou Chase Hooper by technical knockout at 4:58. from R1

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Drakkar Klose derrotou Edson Barboza in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Karina Silva derrotou Dione Barbosa in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Joseph Morales submits Alibi Idiris with a triangle choke at 3:04 of R2 – TUF 33 final