UFC 319 Preview - Chi Town Bangers

What's good family. Congratulations to every who has earned a stripe or had their first amateur fight. Keep it rolling. The UFC is back in Chicago for the first time since 2019, turning the iconic United Center into one of the biggest nights in 2025. Let's get in the cut with our preview so we can really lock in Saturday night.

Main Event: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev — a collision of styles

• Dricus du Plessis, the gritty champ chasing his third defense, brings that wild, unpredictable flair—his coach even labeled Chimaev “one-dimensional” and says they’re ready to throw his wrestling right back at him. 

• Khamzat Chimaev, undefeated and ferocious, is finally cleared to step into U.S. waters again after visa drama—thanks in part to political help. 

• On the mic, Joe Rogan returns, alongside Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier. In case you missed it, Dustin Poirier joins the desk post retirement.

Co-main and stand-outs — fresh faces, heart-pounding matchups

• Aaron Pico makes his_UFC_ debut in a co-main featherweight bout against Lerone Murphy. Major title implications especially if Murphy pulls off the upset.. 

• Middleweight fireworks: Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page promises striking chaos. 

• Welterweight action: Geoff Neal returns to face hot new talent Carlos Prates in a rescheduled fight from their UFC 314 cancellation. 

Undercard: flavor-packed — from flyweights to veterans

• Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose—lightweight veterans clash in what should be a gritty scrap. 

• Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez adds a female strawweight thriller. 

• King Bobby Green vs. Diego Ferreira, Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk, Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez, and even Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev should contend for a performance of the night award.

When and how to watch

• August 16, 2025 at the United Center, Chicago. 

• PPV main card kicks off at 10:00 PM ET via ESPN+. Prelims start earlier. 

Image: UFC