UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev – What to Know Before Fight Night

Introduction

UFC 319, titled Du Plessis vs. Chimaev, is set to ignite Chicago’s United Center on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The middleweight championship headline pits reigning titleholder Dricus Du Plessis against unbeaten challenger Khamzat Chimaev. Boasting a main card brimming with high-stakes matchups, rising stars, and unpredictable drama—including multiple card shakeups—UFC 319 promises a thrilling night of MMA action.

The Main Event and Co-Main Highlights

Middleweight Title Clash: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev

This title bout marks an electrifying collision of wrestling power and championship polish:

• Dricus Du Plessis (Champion): A dominant South African fighter with a current 11-fight win streak and notable victories over Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland (twice), and Whittaker 

• Khamzat Chimaev (Challenger): A formidable Chechen striker, entering his first title fight with a perfect 14-0 record and multiple finishes over elite opponents 

• Stakes: Du Plessis seeks a third defense; Chimaev aims to cement his legacy with a dominant title-winning performance 

Co-Main Feature: Lerone Murphy vs. UFC Newcomer Aaron Pico

A high-stakes featherweight bout showcasing grit versus hype:

• Lerone Murphy: Holds a 16-0-1 record; lauded by Joe Rogan as an underrated contender with world-championship potential 

• Aaron Pico: A heralded prospect making a dramatic UFC debut following Bellator success 

Undercard Dynamics, Last-Minute Changes & New Additions

Notable Undercard Bouts

• Jared Cannonier vs. Michael "Venom" Page: A jarring contrast of Cannonier's brute force and Page’s elusive striking style 

• Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose, Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez, Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura, among others round out the main card, along with the TUF flyweight finale and early prelims featuring Susurkaev vs. industry newcomers

Shakeups & Rising Stars

• DWCS Surprise: Baysangur Susurkaev, fresh off Contender Series success, secured a UFC 319 bout against Eric Nolan on mere days’ notice

• Scratched Fights: King Green vs. Diego Ferreira, and the TUF welterweight final, fell through due to injury—no replacements were arranged

Broadcast Info, Venue & Global Accessibility

When & Where to Watch

• Date & Venue: Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the United Center, Chicago—the city’s first UFC event since 2019

• Broadcast Schedule (ET):

  • Early Prelims: 6 p.m.

  • Prelims: 8 p.m.

  • Main Card (PPV): 10 p.m. 

• Viewing Platforms:

  • U.S.: ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+, and PPV for main card

  • Global: Channels vary; e.g., SonyLiv in India 

Significance & Commentary

• Chicago returns to the UFC spotlight with anticipation, building on the legacy of UFC 238

• Expectations are high: Analysts believe Chimaev’s relentless grappling gives him the edge, while others—like Chris Weidman—support the champion’s conditioning for victory in the later rounds 

UFC 319 At-a-Glance

7 Key Things You Should Know About UFC 319

1. Du Plessis looks to cement his legacy with a third title defense against a dominant, undefeated challenger.

2. Chimaev’s wrestling prowess positions him as the betting favorite to dethrone the champion.

3. Murphy vs. Pico could define the featherweight landscape—Rogan hints Murphy is the more formidable contender.

4. Susurkaev’s rapid entry from the Contender Series adds a dynamic, unpredictable element to the prelims.

5. Card disruptions highlight UFC’s volatility—fighter injuries and withdrawals underscore event fragility.

6. Cannonier vs. Page brings high-octane striking fireworks with title implications hanging in the balance.

7. Global access ensures widespread reach—UFC 319 is a major broadcast event on multiple platforms worldwide.

Conclusion

UFC 319 promises to be one of the most captivating MMA events of 2025—combining championship stakes with emerging talent, dramatic last-minute shakeups, and fan-favorite matchups. Whether you’re backing Du Plessis’ championship reign, Chimaev’s ascent, or watching for a breakout performance from a rising star like Pico or Murphy, this fight card delivers. Don’t miss the action live from Chicago—or wherever you’re tuning in around the globe.