UFC 319: Date, Fight Card, Main Event, Start Time & How to Watch the PPV Live Tonight

UFC 319: everything you need to know before du Plessis vs Chimaev invades Chicago Date and location The Octagon returns to Illinois on Saturday, 16 August 2025, when UFC 319 touches down at United Center in Chicago. Doors open at 5 p.m. local time, with early prelims expected to stream on UFC Fight Pass before the ESPN/ESPN+ broadcast. Main event – Middleweight title clash Champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis (21-2) defends his 185-lb crown for the first time against unbeaten wrecking ball Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev (14-0). Du Plessis shocked Israel Adesanya to claim gold, but the relentless wrestling and top-pressure of Chimaev present a different puzzle. Expect takedown scrambles early and a potential firefight on the feet if Chimaev can’t ground the champ. Freshly announced co-main event Featherweight sensations Aaron Pico and Lerone Murphy have been booked as the evening’s new co-main attraction, adding knockout power and British vs American bragging rights to the pay-per-view lineup. Projected UFC 319 fight card (subject to change) • Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight title • Aaron Pico vs Lerone Murphy – Featherweight • Jared Cannonier vs Michael “Venom” Page – Middleweight stand-up war • Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates – Welterweight strikers’ delight • Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura – Flyweight scrap Early prelim highlights include Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev and an explosive women’s strawweight bout between Lupita Godinez and Shauna Bannon. How to watch worldwide • United States: ESPN+ PPV (main card), ESPN/ESPN+ (prelims), UFC Fight Pass (early prelims) • United Kingdom & Ireland: TNT Sports Box Office, with prelims on TNT Sports 1 • Australia: Main Event PPV and Kayo Sports • Brazil: Combate Tickets and on-site experience Arena seats are already moving fast, starting around $250 on Ticketmaster, with VIP hospitality packages available via the United Center box office. Fans can also reserve a bar-side watch party at venues like PT’s Wings & Sports on The Strip. Storylines to watch 1. Can du Plessis solve the Chimaev mauling style and cement himself as undisputed king? 2. Is Chimaev finally tested at middleweight after dominating in two divisions? 3. Will flashy striker Michael Page crack the top-five by upsetting Cannonier? 4. How high does the Pico-Murphy winner climb in the congested 145-lb rankings? Early odds (via major sportsbooks) • Chimaev ‑185, du Plessis +155 • Pico ‑140, Murphy +120 • Cannonier ‑115, Page ‑105 Bold prediction Expect a frenetic opening round in the main event. If du Plessis survives Chimaev’s first three takedown attempts, his cardio and awkward striking could swing the tide by championship rounds. Keep this page bookmarked; we’ll update with finalized bout order, ceremonial weigh-in results, and any late-week fight changes as UFC 319 approaches.