UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev – Main Card Results and Highlights from Chicago
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, UFC 319 took place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, featuring a highly anticipated middleweight title fight headlined by champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. The event showcased a wide range of compelling bouts across multiple weight classes, delivering dramatic finishes and technical displays for fight fans worldwide.
Main Event: Middleweight Title Fight
The card’s centerpiece saw Dricus Du Plessis defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev. Both fighters entered with impressive records and contrasting styles. Du Plessis, the 31-year-old South African champion known for his aggressive striking and grappling, faced Chimaev, the undefeated and dominant competitor with a reputation for relentless pressure.
The championship bout was marked by intense exchanges and strategic grappling, with both men showing exceptional skill over their 25-minute contest. Full round-by-round scoring details are available, but the fight left fans at the edge of their seats as the two displayed top-tier Mixed Martial Arts at their best.
Notable Fights from the Main Card
- Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico (Featherweight): An exciting clash between the undefeated Murphy and aggressive striker Pico that kept the crowd engaged.
- Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight): A welterweight bout highlighting Neal’s striking precision against Prates’ experience.
- Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page (Middleweight): A compelling match-up combining Cannonier’s power and Page’s elusive style.
- Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura (Flyweight): A fast-paced flyweight bout showcasing technical striking and conditioning.
Additional Preliminary Card Results
The early preliminaries and preliminary card featured fights such as:
- Jessica Andrade vs. Lupita Godinez
- Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper
- Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
- Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa
- Alibi Idiris vs. Joseph Morales
Each of these fights added depth to the event, providing both up-and-coming talent and veterans a stage to prove themselves against tough competition.
Broadcast and Viewing
The event was broadcast live, with early prelims streamed on UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+, preliminaries airing on ESPN+ and ESPN, and the main card available on ESPN+ pay-per-view. This ensured comprehensive access to fans globally eager to catch the high-stakes bouts live from Chicago.
Expert Insights and Predictions
Prior to the event, commentary from MMA experts, including former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, highlighted the significance of the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev showdown. Adesanya notably predicted a captivating battle, emphasizing the skillsets and styles each fighter would bring into the octagon.
Overall, UFC 319 successfully delivered its promise of thrilling MMA action, blending veteran experience with rising stars and a high-profile title fight that further elevates the middleweight division’s competitiveness.