Khamzat Chimaev has finally arrived. At UFC 319, the unbeaten Chechen wrecking machine cemented his dominance by dismantling former champion Dricus Du Plessis in a five-round masterclass to claim the UFC Middleweight Title. But as the dust settles in Chicago, the question isn’t just who he beat—it’s where he’s going next.

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Is it a title defense? A drop to welterweight? Or something even more daring—a superfight with Islam Makhachev?

Welcome to the post-UFC 319 landscape, where nothing feels impossible.

Chimaev’s Crossroads: Stay at Middleweight or Chase Double Gold?

After years of stalled momentum due to injuries, illnesses, and visa issues, Khamzat Chimaev looked every bit like the monster the UFC once hyped in 2020. He controlled Du Plessis from the opening bell, showcasing both cardio and technical dominance. Now, with the middleweight strap on his waist, fans are clamoring to know: what’s next?

Chimaev has publicly expressed interest in moving across weight classes, and with Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena rumored to clash for the welterweight title, this could be the perfect moment for Chimaev to drop down and make history.

“It won’t get easier to cut weight at 33,” one analyst warned. “If he wants 170, the time is now.”

But let’s not forget the middleweight division itself. The winner of Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho on September 9 in Paris is arguably the most logical opponent for Chimaev’s first defense. If Dana White wants the division moving, booking that title fight seems inevitable.

Du Plessis: From Title Fight to Gatekeeper?

Despite being thoroughly outclassed, Dricus Du Plessis is still one of the top contenders in the division. His aggressive, unorthodox style makes him a dangerous matchup for anyone in the top 10.

The best-case scenario? Du Plessis gets the loser of Imavov vs. Borralho, a fight that keeps him in the mix and could lead to another title shot.

However, there’s also a wildcard in play: Reinier de Ridder. RDR is riding a 4-0 start in the UFC, including a knockout win over Bo Nickal and a razor-thin victory against Robert Whittaker. His momentum makes him a real problem for Du Plessis—and potentially a future champion himself.

Lerone Murphy: From Underdog to Alexander Volkanovski’s Next Challenger?

The co-main event may have stolen the show. Lerone Murphy, the British featherweight who flew under the radar for years, delivered a stunning spinning back elbow knockout against Aaron Pico, instantly catapulting himself into the featherweight title picture.

With a clean record and now a viral finish under his belt, Murphy is being heavily linked to a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski later this year.

He was the forgotten man at 145,” one commentator said. “Now, he’s the name on everyone’s lips.

Should Volkanovski decide to wait, Murphy vs. Yair Rodriguez could serve as a thrilling interim matchup. But right now, Murphy’s shot feels earned—and inevitable.

Final Thoughts: The UFC 319 Aftermath

UFC 319 might be remembered as the night Khamzat Chimaev officially became the boogeyman, but it also marked the emergence of Lerone Murphy as a legitimate featherweight force. Meanwhile, Du Plessis, Imavov, Borralho, and de Ridder make the middleweight division more competitive than ever.

Whether Chimaev chases double gold or stays put to defend, the UFC has plenty of thrilling matchups ahead.

And let’s not forget: in the chaotic chess game of the UFC, one injury, one upset, or one tweet can change it all.

Former UFC champion Conor McGregor is once again dominating headlines—but not for his striking skills in the octagon. Instead, the Irish superstar finds himself at the center of personal controversy after being photographed appearing to kiss a mystery woman on a beach, despite being engaged to long-time partner Dee Devlin.

The photos, reportedly taken just a day before McGregor’s 37th birthday on July 14, set social media on fire, igniting speculation about the state of his 16-year relationship with Devlin. The timing of the leak—right before his birthday—couldn’t have been more brutal.

But while fans braced for a scandalous fallout, what followed was both surprising and oddly… sweet.

Dee Devlin breaks her silence—but not how you’d expect

Instead of directly addressing the beach photos or the infidelity rumors, Devlin posted a warm birthday message to McGregor on Instagram, sharing a series of couple photos and writing:

“Happy Birthday to the person who always keeps Dee entertained and makes her smile.”

The message, notably devoid of any tension or confrontation, was interpreted by many as a silent show of support—or perhaps a masterclass in PR composure.

Dee, who has been by Conor’s side since their teenage years in Dublin, is known for standing by him through everything—from poverty to global stardom, from UFC featherweight titles to legal battles.

Their engagement in 2020 seemed to be the fairy-tale culmination of a ride-or-die romance. The couple share four children, and Devlin has long been an integral part of McGregor’s brand and business empire.

“She has helped me throughout this career…”

Back in 2015, Conor publicly credited Devlin for his rise, telling the press:

“My girlfriend has been there since the start. If it wasn’t for her, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”

He added, “She stuck by me when I had essentially absolutely nothing. I only had a dream that I was telling her.”

Indeed, Devlin has been McGregor’s most loyal ally during his tumultuous career—and there’s been no shortage of tumult.

A string of recent controversies

McGregor’s career outside the cage has been marred by multiple legal and behavioral incidents:

• Just last month, he was filmed punching a man during a heated altercation in a nightclub in Ibiza.
• In November 2024, he was found liable in a civil case for the assault of Nikita Hand, which allegedly occurred in a Dublin hotel in 2018.
• And now, these photos with a “mystery woman” have once again dragged the fighter’s name into gossip headlines.

Despite these controversies, McGregor hasn’t fought in the UFC since 2021, with his fans and critics wondering whether his best days—professionally and personally—are behind him.

McGregor’s cryptic political rant: “Vote me in!”

In classic McGregor fashion, rather than addressing the beach photos directly, he posted a bizarre political rant on X (formerly Twitter).

“I will drag Taoiseach of house and home if the greater public of Ireland’s wishes are not met. Vote McGregor.”

Then, mixing Irish and English, he added:

“Vote me in! Put me to F**ING work. Is braith liom obair agus tá me go hiontach ag é.”*

The fiery post left many wondering: is this a genuine political bid or a distraction from the scandal?

Whether it’s a pivot to politics or just a spontaneous outburst, one thing is clear: McGregor’s days of quietly fading into retirement are not on the table.

What now for Dee and Conor?

While Devlin’s silence on the alleged kiss has sparked mixed reactions, her calm demeanor has earned admiration across social platforms. Some see it as strength; others, as avoidance.

McGregor, on the other hand, seems more focused on public attention than personal accountability.

The world may still be waiting for a direct statement on the viral photos, but for now, the silence—and the chaos—speaks volumes.

As fans watch the fallout unfold, one thing is certain: with Conor McGregor, nothing stays private for long.

For more stories like this, visit Daily Global Diary—your source for real news with a human touch.

Ben Askren is an American former Olympic wrestler, Bellator & ONE Welterweight Champion, and UFC fighter, known for his unorthodox style and tough-as-nails approach. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around $1 million, earned through MMA fight purses, Olympic accolades, and his post-retirement roles as a commentator and podcast host.

After entering MMA in 2009, Askren quickly rose to dominance in Bellator and ONE Championship, becoming a celebrated champion. His UFC tenure brought high-profile bouts, including a dramatic debut win over Robbie Lawler and a five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal.

🏆 Sources of Income

1. MMA Fight Purses
   — Watched by fans worldwide, Askren earned substantial purses in Bellator/ONE.
2. UFC Tenure
   — His UFC debut and follow-up matches added hundreds of thousands to his earnings.
3. Boxing Exhibition
   — Faced Jake Paul in 2021, drawing 500,000 PPV buys and earning a guaranteed base purse of ~$500K.
4. Wrestling & Podcasting
   — Post-retirement, Askren transitioned to commentary and podcast roles, contributing to his income .

📈 Net Worth Growth Over Time

• 2021: Approximately $500,000 following MMA retirement and boxing debut
• 2025: Approximately $1 million, reflecting steady growth via commentary and media efforts

💼 Assets & Lifestyle

Askren is known for maintaining a modest lifestyle. He lives with his family in Wisconsin and dedicates his time to commentary, family life, podcasts, and coaching youth wrestling—an investment in community rather than flashy assets.