News Summary
UFC 319 is set to take place in Chicago, featuring a middleweight title defense by Dricus Du Plessis against Khamzat Chimaev. This marks the UFC’s return to the city since 2019, generating excitement among MMA fans. The event will also include other notable matchups, although the co-main event slot remains undetermined. Fans can look forward to a live broadcast and the promise of a thrilling night in the world of mixed martial arts.
Chicago Set to Host UFC 319 with Title Defense and Exciting Matchups
Chicago, Illinois — The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is gearing up to host UFC 319 on August 16, offering fans an exciting lineup of mixed martial arts (MMA) bouts, including a highly anticipated title fight. The event marks a significant return to Chicago, the first UFC event in the city since 2019.
Main Event: Middleweight Championship Fight
The centerpiece of UFC 319 will be a middleweight title defense featuring Dricus Du Plessis, who is defending his title against Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis recently claimed the championship by defeating Sean Strickland at UFC 297, adding a significant highlight to his professional record. Since securing the belt, Du Plessis has successfully defended it twice, first against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, and then versus Strickland again at UFC 312.
Khamzat Chimaev enters the bout with an undefeated record of 14 wins and no losses, and is ranked No. 3 in the UFC middleweight division. He earned this title shot by finishing former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. With both fighters undefeated and highly ranked, this contest is expected to be a key highlight of the event.
Event Card Overview
UFC 319 does not currently have a confirmed co-main event, with only “TBD” listed for that slot. However, several other bouts are scheduled for the main card, including:
- Jared Cannonier facing Michael “Venom” Page in a middleweight bout.
- Geoff Neal going head-to-head with Carlos Prates in the welterweight division.
- Tim Elliott returning after a year and a half injury layoff to fight Kai Asakura in a flyweight matchup.
Additional matches include an undetermined fight in the co-main event slot, with “TBD” listed, highlighting that further matchups and official confirmations are expected in the coming days.
Other Notable Fights and Participants
The preliminaries will feature a variety of fighters, including King Green and Jessica Andrade, among others, contributing to the event’s compelling fight card. These prelim bouts will be available on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass, while early prelims will stream on ESPN+.
Event Logistics and Viewing Details
UFC 319 will be broadcast via ESPN+ pay-per-view, with prelim bouts accessible on ESPN and early prelims via ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. Fans in Chicago will have the opportunity to experience the live event in person, marking a significant return after the UFC’s absence from the city for several years.
Background and Significance
The UFC last hosted an event in Chicago in 2019, and the upcoming UFC 319 is highly anticipated due to the presence of top-tier fighters like Du Plessis and Chimaev, who are considered among the promotion’s rising stars and top contenders in their divisions. Their match promises discussion and excitement among MMA fans worldwide.
Further updates regarding the full fight card and official matchups are expected in the days ahead as the event approaches, with organizers and fighters preparing for what could be a landmark night for Chicago’s MMA scene.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- MMA News
- Wikipedia: UFC 319
- Forbes
- Google Search: UFC 319
- Bloody Elbow
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UFC
- CBS Sports
- Google News: UFC 319
Author: STAFF HERE RALEIGH WRITER
RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
