Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Headlines Stacked UFC 319 Card in Chicago

Fight fans are in for a blockbuster night as UFC 319 brings a loaded 14-bout lineup to the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The event is headlined by a middleweight title clash between reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated sensation Khamzat Chimaev, a matchup that has fight enthusiasts buzzing worldwide.

The main card, airing live on ESPN+ pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, promises fireworks from start to finish. With a mix of title stakes, high-profile contenders, and stylistic clashes, UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated MMA events of the year.

Why UFC 319 Is One of the Most Anticipated Cards of 2025

The headliner pits Dricus Du Plessis, known for his relentless pace and finishing ability, against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev, whose dominant wrestling and aggressive striking have made him one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. This title fight isn’t just a battle for gold — it’s a potential defining moment in middleweight history.

The co-main event features rising star Aaron Pico stepping into the Octagon against the undefeated British striker Lerone Murphy in a high-stakes featherweight bout. Both fighters are on impressive winning streaks, and the result could have serious title implications.

Other main card highlights include:

• Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal – A welterweight war between two heavy hitters.

• Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page – A stylistic chess match between a power puncher and a flashy, unorthodox striker.

• Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura – A flyweight battle featuring experience versus explosive speed.

UFC 319 Full Fight Card Breakdown

Main Card – 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT (PPV via ESPN+)

1. Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight Title Fight

2. Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico – Featherweight

3. Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal – Welterweight

4. Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page – Middleweight

5. Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura – Flyweight

Preliminary Card – 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT (ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+)

• Bobby Green vs. Diego Ferreira – Lightweight (Featured Prelim)

• Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk – Middleweight

• Jessica Andrade vs. Lupita Godinez – Women’s Strawweight

• Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez – Lightweight

• Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose – Lightweight

• Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev – Middleweight

• Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa – Women’s Flyweight

• Rodrigo Sezinando vs. TBD – Bantamweight

• Idiris Alibi vs. Joseph Morales – Flyweight

The nine-fight prelims showcase a mix of veterans and newcomers, with The Ultimate Fighter 33 finals adding an extra layer of intrigue in the flyweight and welterweight divisions.

What to Expect on Fight Night

Fight analysts predict the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev bout could turn into a battle of wills, with Chimaev pushing for takedowns and Du Plessis looking to test the challenger’s cardio with a high-volume striking attack. In the co-main, Murphy’s calculated precision will be tested against Pico’s explosive wrestling and boxing combination.

Veteran matchups like Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose bring elite striking experience into the prelims, while prospects like Kai Asakura and Carlos Prates aim to make a statement on the big stage.

UFC 319 is strategically placed in the promotion’s calendar to set up big fights for late 2025. A win for Du Plessis or Chimaev will define the middleweight division’s future, while victories for fighters like Murphy, Prates, or Page could set up title eliminators.

Chicago’s passionate MMA fan base adds to the atmosphere, ensuring the United Center will be electric when the fighters make their walkouts. With championship stakes, rising contenders, and fan favorites, UFC 319 could be a defining event of the year.

Fans worldwide are ready for an unforgettable night, and with so many high-stakes matchups, UFC 319 is set to deliver non-stop action from the opening prelim to the final bell of the main event.

You Must Know:

When is UFC 319?
UFC 319 takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago.

Who is fighting in the main event of UFC 319?
The main event is a middleweight title fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev.

What time does UFC 319 start?
Early prelims start at 6 p.m. ET, televised prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, and the main card kicks off at 10 p.m. ET.

Where can I watch UFC 319?
The main card airs on ESPN+ pay-per-view, while the prelims are available on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+.

Which fights are must-watch at UFC 319?
Aside from the title fight, Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy and Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page are generating significant buzz.