UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev: Preview, fight card, start time, where to watch & more

Blesson has been a part of Khel Now since 2023, he covers Combat Sports & Gaming.

Published at :August 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM

Modified at :August 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM

(Courtesy : UFC)

UFC Middleweight title is on line this week

The UFC makes its long-awaited return to Chicago this weekend, touching down at the United Center for the first time in over six years with a blockbuster card for UFC 319.

Headlining the event is a middleweight clash that fans have been craving, champion Dricus Du Plessis puts his belt on the line for the second time this year against the undefeated and dangerous Khamzat Chimaev.

Chimaev has been touted as a future champion since his explosive arrival on Fight Island, and now he finally gets his shot at gold against one of the most resilient titleholders in the sport.

The action doesn’t stop there, the pay-per-view main card features four more high-stakes matchups, each with divisional implications, backed by a stacked preliminary lineup.

With elite talent, rising contenders, and potential title eliminators on tap, UFC 319 promises to deliver one of the most competitive and thrilling nights of MMA in 2025.

UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev main card

Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico
Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates
Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page
Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura

UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev preliminary card

King Green vs Diego Ferreira
Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk
Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose
Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev
Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa (Early Prelims)

Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev

Middleweight king Dricus Du Plessis will put his title on the line once again when he faces undefeated wrecking machine Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC 319 main event.

ITS FIGHT WEEK! #UFC319 pic.twitter.com/Z8T2pvRNXC
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) August 11, 2025

Du Plessis has been on a tear, silencing doubters with every performance. Earlier this year, he earned his second successful defense by dominating former champion Sean Strickland in their rematch, improving to a perfect 9-0 in the UFC and 23-2 overall.

Chimaev, meanwhile, finally arrives at his long-awaited first title shot, five years after his meteoric rise began. The 31-year-old earned this opportunity in devastating fashion, submitting Robert Whittaker in the first round last October in a one-sided beatdown.

Ready for his shot at the belt! 🏆[ #UFC319 | @KChimaev ] pic.twitter.com/CsrZOHHJxC
— UFC (@ufc) August 12, 2025

Both fighters carry plenty of hype, yet each still has something to prove. This clash isn’t just a title fight, it’s the ultimate test for two of the most feared men in MMA, with massive implications for the middleweight division’s future.

Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico

Lerone Murphy will look to protect his unbeaten record when he welcomes Aaron Pico to the UFC in a high-stakes featherweight showdown at UFC 319.

The 34-year-old Manchester native has quietly built one of the most impressive résumés in the division, earning recent victories over Edson Barboza, Dan Ige, and Josh Emmett.

Much like fellow Brit Leon Edwards, “The Miracle” has climbed the ranks without much fanfare, but a win over Pico could solidify his case for a title shot in early 2026.

Pico, 28, enters the Octagon after fulfilling the potential many saw in him as a teenage prodigy. Riding a 9-1 run in his last 10 fights, with the lone setback due to injury, Pico brings a dangerous blend of knockout power, elite wrestling, and well-rounded skills.

For Murphy, this is about cementing contender status. For Pico, it’s the chance to make an immediate impact in the UFC’s featherweight elite.

Date, Time and Venue

Event Details	Information
Date	Saturday, August 16, 2025
Venue	United Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
Capacity	23,500
Main Card Start Time (ET)	10:00 PM ET
Main Card Start Time (PT)	7:00 PM PT
Main Card Start Time (UK)	3:00 AM BST (Aug. 17)
Main Card Start Time (India)	7:30 AM IST (Aug. 17)
Main Card Start Time (Saudi Arabia)	5:00 AM AST (Aug. 17)
Main Card Start Time (Australia)	12:00 PM AEST (Aug. 17)
Prelims Start Time (ET)	8:00 PM ET
Prelims Start Time (PT)	5:00 PM PT
Prelims Start Time (UK)	1:00 AM BST (Aug. 17)
Prelims Start Time (India)	5:30 AM IST (Aug. 17)
TV	ESPN (Prelims)
Streaming	ESPN+, Disney+ (Early Prelims & Prelims), PPV (Main Card)
Main Event Cage Walks (ET)	12:05 AM ET (Aug. 17)

Their first meeting during fight week 🤝[ #UFC319 | @DricusDuPlessis | @KChimaev ] pic.twitter.com/BAwj4cqw4b
— UFC (@ufc) August 12, 2025

Where to watch UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev in India?

UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev will air live on Sony Sports Network and SonyLiv in India.

Where to watch around the globe?

To catch all the action of UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev, prelims, and early prelims, tune in to ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, while the main card will be available on ESPN+ and Disney+.

What time does UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev start?

UFC 319 takes place on Saturday, August 16, 2025. The prelims begin at 8:00 PM ET, followed by the main card at 10:00 PM ET. The main event cage walks for Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev are expected around 12:05 AM ET on August 17.

Where is UFC 319 taking place?

The event will be held at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA and will mark the UFC’s first return to the Windy City in over six years.

How can fans watch UFC 319 live?

In the United States, prelims will air on ESPN and stream on ESPN+ and Disney+. The main card is available exclusively via ESPN+ PPV. International viewers can check their local UFC broadcast partners for coverage.

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Blesson

Blesson Daniel is a sub-editor who spends his days organizing words and managing social media, crafting bursts of creativity designed to make people smile. He occasionally dives into writing as well — whether it’s crafting articles, brainstorming ideas, or finding the perfect caption. Believing that every piece of writing offers an opportunity to tell a story, Blesson brings creativity and thoughtfulness to every project he takes on. When he’s not glued to his laptop, Blesson is likely planning his next travel adventure or losing himself in music. A passionate explorer of new places, sounds, and ideas, he believes in balancing work, play, and a good playlist in the background. Whether he’s editing, writing, or daydreaming about his next trip, Blesson is always chasing that sweet spot where creativity and curiosity collide to create something memorable.