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UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev — Everything You Need to Know

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UFC 319 is a mixed martial arts event produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, scheduled for August 16, 2025, no United Center, in Chicago, Illinois (USA).

This will be the first time the UFC has returned to the city since UFC 238 in June 2019.

Main Event — Middleweight Title

The middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, will make his third title defense against the undefeated and feared Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis comes in strong with victories over Sean Strickland It is Israel Adesanya, as Chimaev looks to maintain his perfect record in the division.

Du Plessis uses an unconventional fighting style—constant pressure, unique arcs of strikes, and level shifts to achieve takedowns—which can confuse his opponent. His team dismisses Chimaev's wrestling as "one-dimensional" and intends to face him in this match.

Chimaev, in turn, is known for his dominant grappling—a style compared to that of Khabib Nurmagomedov—and for controlling his opponents on the ground with devastating strikes and submissions. It's worth noting that Chimaev has never lasted beyond three rounds in the UFC, while Du Plessis has gone the full time in several tough fights.

Main Card — Incredible Highlights

In addition to the main event, the card features exciting clashes:

  • Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy (Featherweight) — Pico makes his UFC debut, facing an undefeated top-10 athlete (MMAmania.com).
  • Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight) — promising fight between knockout artists (MMAmania.com).
  • Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “MVP” Page (Middleweight) — Page moves up a weight class in a technical showdown (MMAmania.com).
  • Kai Asakura vs. Tim Elliott (Flyweight) — dynamic duel between veterans (MMAmania.com).
  • Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight) — newly confirmed at the United Center (unitedcenter.com).
  • Loopy Godinez vs. Jessica Andrade (Women's Strawweight) — high-profile bout (CBSSports.com).

Transmission and Logistics

  • Official weigh-in live takes place on Friday morning, with all fighters meeting the required standards (MMAmania.com).
  • Prelims start at 6pm (local time), with the Main Card starting at 10pm (ESPN.com).
  • The broadcast will be available via ESPN+ (PPV) in the US; internationally, Eurosport (Max) to Spain, and ESPN/Disney+ in Latin America (AS Diary).

Latest Updates and Expectations

  • Press Conference shook Chicago on August 14th, with intense stares between the protagonists.
  • There were fight cancellations in the preliminary round, but the UFC has already reacted with adjustments to the card.
  • Chimaev expressed gratitude to former President Trump for facilitating his return to the US after visa battles.
  • Du Plessis is confident, saying his unique style puts Chimaev at a disadvantage — even as an underdog.
  • Betting experts have Chimaev as the favorite due to his superior wrestling, while Murphy is a standout on the co-main card.

Behind the Scenes: Weigh-ins, Promises and War Climate

At Friday's weigh-in, the 24 athletes from the main and preliminary card were cleared to compete. All fighters on the Chicago card made weight correctly, unlike what happened in Previous UFC Fight Night (Dolidze vs. Hernandez), when fighters like Anthony Hernandez, Joselyne Edwards and Julija Stoliarenko They needed a second try to get the weight right.

At that August 9 event at the UFC Apex, Hernandez commented that his focus was on the "next step toward the belt," while Dolidze expected to face Whittaker but acknowledged the importance of the bout. The fight was intense and reflected the current state of the middleweight division, where Chimaev and Du Plessis currently lead the pack.


Updated UFC 319 Card

In addition to the main fight, the UFC 319 card features big names and fights that promise knockouts and submissions:

  • Main Event (Middleweight): Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev

  • Featherweight: Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy

  • Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates

  • Average Weight: Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page (MVP)

  • Flyweight: Kai Asakura vs. Tim Elliott

  • Average Weight: Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Gerald Meerschaert

  • Women's Strawweight: Loopy Godinez vs. Jessica Andrade


Broadcast: Where to Watch

You can watch the UFC 319 live on your cell phone, tablet or smart TV by the following means:

  • Brazil: UFC Fight Pass (pre-events and full), Fight (Main Card)

  • United States: ESPN+ (Pay-Per-View)

  • Latin America and Spain: ESPN / Disney+ / Eurosport (Max)

  • Radio (USA): SiriusXM Fight Nation


Conclusion: A Night to Make History

UFC 319 promises to go down in history as one of the most intense cards of the year. The rivalry between Du Plessis and Chimaev, coupled with a card packed with rising talent, creates the ideal scenario for brutal knockouts, technical submissions and new names emerging as real threats to the top.


To watch UFC for free, you can use the app UFC Fight Pass, which broadcasts the first fights of the preliminary card for free and offers access to full events with a subscription.

✅ How to watch FREE

App / Platform How to Access Benefits
ESPN / ESPN+ Available on Google Play and App Store HD streaming, pre- and post-fight analysis
ESPN Deportes ESPN International Apps Comments in Spanish
SiriusXM Fight Nation Digital radio broadcasting Ideal if you don't have stable internet

📱 Free Apps to Follow the UFC 

1. UFC Fight Pass (free version with limited content)

  • Official UFC App
  • Offers live statistics, highlights, interviews and pre- and post-fight coverage
  • Available for Android and iOS
    🔗 Google Play
    🔗 App Store

2. OneFootball (yes, it also covers MMA!)

  • Receive real-time notifications of fights
  • Follow exclusive news, statistics and videos
  • Free and lightweight interface
    🔗 Google Play
    🔗 App Store

3. 365Scores

  • Real-time updates
  • Tables, rankings, and results from all UFC events
  • Personalized alerts for the fighters you're interested in
    🔗 Google Play
    🔗 App Store

4. DAZN (free trial or promotions)

  • Broadcasts MMA events and offers fight highlights
  • Some selected fights are available with 30-day free trial
    🔗 Google Play
    🔗 App Store

5. Combate Channel on YouTube (free excerpts)

  • Although full live streaming is paid, the official channel releases excerpts from the fights and backstage right after the event.

🎯 Tips to Enjoy the Event Without Missing Anything

  • Turn on notifications in the apps to know the time of each fight.
  • Use a good headset and Wi-Fi connection for a better experience.
  • Prepare in advance: download the apps, create your account, and schedule appointments.
  • Also follow the UFC's official social media channels for live updates.

🏁 Conclusion

O UFC promises to be historic, with two belts on the line and elite athletes in the octagon. If you want to enjoy this electrifying night without missing a second, choose one of the recommended apps above and follow everything. live and free with quality and practicality.

Get the popcorn ready, download the app, and cheer on your favorite fighter!
👊🥋