The UFC returns to Chicago for the first time in over six years, and the promotion couldn’t have picked a better time to make their comeback. The United Center will host UFC 319 on August 16th. Chicago fans have been patient, waiting since UFC 238 back in June 2019 for another major event in their backyard.
The anticipation has been building steadily since the announcement dropped earlier this year. UFC 319 promises to deliver one of the most stacked cards of 2025, with multiple title implications and several fights that could reshape entire divisions. The main card features a perfect blend of established stars and rising contenders, while the undercard showcases the kind of depth that makes these events special. From top to bottom, this card represents everything fans love about MMA: technical striking, explosive grappling, and most of all, unpredictability!
UFC 319 Main Card Preview
The headliner delivers exactly what a championship fight should be, with an undefeated challenger taking on a proven champion with serious finishing power. Dricus Du Plessis puts his UFC Middleweight Championship on the line against the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev. The South African has proven his championship credentials by defeating some of the division’s biggest names. Meanwhile Chechen brings an intimidating perfect record and the kind of wrestling pressure that breaks fighters. Du Plessis striking accuracy will clash with Chimaev’s relentless grappling approach. This will create a fascinating stylistic matchup that is almost impossible to predict!
In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy faces Aaron Pico in a featherweight clash between two fighters looking to break into title contention. This will be Pico’s UFC debut and his opponent was originally supposed to be Movsar Evloev. But he had to back out due to injury. Geoff Neal finally gets his chance to face Carlos Prates after their originally scheduled bout fell through due to injury. Veteran Jared Cannonier is set to face against a dangerous opponent in Michael Page. Opening the main card, Tim Elliott brings his octagon experience against the newcomer Kai Asakura. Each of these fights carries significant divisional weight and the potential for highlight reel finishes!
Here is the UFC 319 Main Card:
Fight
Weight Class
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev
Middleweight (C)
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico
Featherweight
Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates
Welterweight
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page
Middleweight
Tim Elliot vs Kai Asakura
Men’s Flyweight
UFC 319 Preliminary Card Preview
King Green battles Carlos Diego Ferreira in a lightweight matchup between two fighters who always bring excitement. The next fight showcases Gerald Meerschaert looking to extend his middleweight run against the always dangerous Michal Oleksiejczuk. Former strawweight champion Jessica Andrade faces Loopy Godinez in what should be a striking clinic. Meanwhile Chase Hooper will try to prove himself against Alexander Hernandez.
Here is the UFC 319 Preliminary Card:
Fight
Weight Class
King Green vs Carlos Diego Ferreira
Lightweight
Gerald Meerschaert vs Michał Oleksiejczuk
Middleweight
Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez
Women’s Strawweight
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez
Lightweight
UFC 319 Early Preliminary Card Preview
Even the early prelims pack a serious punch with veteran Edson Barboza taking on Drakkar Klose in a fight that promises to be a striking battle. Barboza is a kicking savant, and any fight with him has the potential to end in a second. Next, Bryan Battle will face Nursulton Ruziboev in a middleweight bout that could launch either fighter toward bigger opportunities. The women’s flyweight division gets representation through Karine Silva vs JJ Aldrich, adding another layer of excitement to an already loaded card. Chicago fans are getting tremendous value with this lineup, proving once again why the UFC‘s return to their city was worth the lengthy wait!
Here is the UFC 319 early Preliminary card:
Fight
Weight Class
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose
Lightweight
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev
Middleweight
Karine Silva vs JJ Aldrich
Women’s Flyweight
Where To Watch UFC 319?
The big question for fight fans around the world: Where can they catch all the action of UFC 319? Here is a guide for the following countries
Where To Watch UFC 319 In United States
The Early Prelims will be available on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass. The Prelims can be watched live on FX, ESPN News, Disney+, and ESPN+. The Main Card will be shown exclusively through ESPN+ as a pay-per-view event.
Where To Watch UFC 319 In India
Viewers in India can watch the Main Card live on Sony Liv and the Sony Sports Network channels.
Where To Watch UFC 319 In United Kingdom
Fans in the UK can enjoy full coverage of UFC 319 through TNT Sports.
Where To Watch UFC 319 In Canada
Canadian fight fans will be able to watch all the action on Sportsnet.
Where To Watch UFC 319 In Australia
In Australia, UFC 319 will be streamed live on Kayo Sports for fans across the country.
UFC 319 MMA Betting Odds
Here are the betting odds, taken from Fanduel for the main card:
Dricus du Plessis (+164) vs Khamzat Chimaev (-215)
Lerone Murphy (+114) vs Aaron Pico (-146)
Geoff Neal (+200) vs Carlos Prates (-265)
Jared Cannonier (+144) vs Michael Page (-186)
Tim Elliott (+240) vs Kai Asakura (-250)
Here are the betting odds for the preliminary card:
King Green (+140) vs Carlos Diego Ferreira (-180)
Gerald Meerschaert (+196) vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (-260)
Jessica Andrade (+136) vs Loopy Godinez (-174)
Chase Hooper (-310) vs Alexander Hernandez (+230)
Here are the betting odds for the early preliminary card:
Here are the predictions for the upcoming UFC 319 card.
Main Card
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev (UFC Middleweight Championship)
This title fight promises fireworks between two completely different fighting styles. Du Plessis brings championship experience and an unorthodox fighting style, while Chimaev enters undefeated with suffocating wrestling pressure. The South African’s weird style will clash with Chimaev’s relentless grappling approach in what could be a classic stylistic battle.
For the first time, we are picking the fight based on the rounds. Our pick is Khamzat Chimaev to win of he can manage to submit or ground and pound Dricus Du Plessis in the first 2 rounds. If the fight goes longer than that, we are going with Dricus Du Plessis to win.
Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
Murphy enters with an undefeated record, but Pico’s wrestling advantage could prove decisive in this featherweight clash. While Murphy holds the striking edge with better accuracy and defense, Pico packs more power and possesses superior takedown skills. Pico could pressure Murphy early and look for ground control where he can unleash his ground and pound attack. Murphy’s perfect record faces its toughest test against a well rounded opponent who won’t be intimidated.
Our Pick: Lerone Murphy
Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
This welterweight battle finally happens after their original booking fell through due to injury. Prates brings explosive striking and finishing ability. Meanwhile Neal offers veteran toughness and experience against rising contenders. The Brazilian’s power and technical precision should give him the edge throughout most exchanges. Neal’s durability might keep him in the fight, but Prates’ superior skill set should earn him a decision victory.
Our Pick: Carlos Prates
Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page
These two aging middleweights come with completely different approaches as they meet in a crucial divisional matchup. Cannonier relies on heavy hands and knockout power, while Page brings unorthodox striking and flashy techniques. Page’s movement and range management could frustrate Cannonier’s power punching style throughout three rounds. Unless Cannonier lands something big early, Page’s technical advantages should carry him to victory on the scorecards.
Our Pick: Michael Page
Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura
Tim Elliott brings years of UFC experience and solid grappling skills. Kai Asakura enters needing a spectacular performance to establish himself. The former Rizin champion possesses knockout power that could end fights quickly if he connects clean. Asakura’s power advantage and hunger for UFC relevance should overcome Elliott’s experience edge.
Our Pick: Kai Asakura
Preliminary Card
Here are our predictions for the UFC 319 Preliminary card
King Green vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira
These two lightweight veterans always bring excitement. Green’s boxing combinations will test Ferreira’s well rounded skill set throughout three rounds. Ferreira’s submission game adds another dimension that Green must respect while pursuing his striking advantage. The Brazilian’s diverse attack and finishing ability give him the edge in this evenly matched contest.
Our Pick: Carlos Diego Ferreira
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk
This middleweight clash pits Meerschaert’s grappling expertise against Oleksiejczuk’s explosive striking power. The Polish fighter’s knockout ability and aggressive approach should trouble Meerschaert’s wrestling heavy game plan. Oleksiejczuk’s striking combinations and power shots create serious problems for anyone trying to close distance. Expect the Polish striker to overwhelm Meerschaert before the wrestling becomes a factor.
Our Pick: Michał Oleksiejczuk
Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez
Former strawweight champion Andrade faces rising contender Godinez in a potential striking clinic. Andrade’s championship experience and knockout power contrast with Godinez’s youth and technical precision. The veteran’s aggression and finishing instincts could prove decisive against the younger fighter’s more measured approach. However, Godinez’s prime years and improved striking give her the edge over the aging former champion.
Our Pick: Loopy Godinez
Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez
This lightweight matchup features two fighters with similar skill sets looking to break into contention. Hooper’s submission game meets Hernandez’s well rounded approach. This could make for a grappling heavy affair. Both fighters possess the tools to win, making this one of the more unpredictable bouts on the card. Hooper’s ground game specialization should give him the advantage if he can get the fight to the mat.
Our Pick: Chase Hooper
Early Preliminary Card
Here are our predictions for the UFC 319 early preliminary card:
Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
These two lightweight veterans with excellent striking skills meet at UFC 319. Barboza’s legendary kicks and combinations face Klose’s boxing and pressure fighting approach. The Brazilian’s experience against elite competition gives him the edge in striking exchanges. Barboza’s superior technique and finishing ability should overcome Klose’s aggressive pressure throughout three rounds.
Our Pick: Edson Barboza
Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
This middleweight bout features two fighters looking to establish themselves in the division’s competitive landscape. Battle’s striking combinations will face off against Ruziboev’s skill set. Both fighters possess knockout power, but Battle’s experience edge might prove decisive. The American’s superior boxing and octagon awareness give him the advantage in this closely matched fight.
Our Pick: Bryan Battle
Karine Silva vs. JJ Aldrich
The women’s flyweight division gets representation through this matchup between two hungry contenders. Silva’s aggressive style meets Aldrich’s technical approach. Silva’s finishing ability and pressure fighting give her the edge against her opponent. Expect the Brazilian to overwhelm Aldrich with volume and aggression throughout the fight.
I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!
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