UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev - Main card breakdown

Main Event: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev • Middleweight Title Fight

The battle for the middleweight crown lands in Chicago. Du Plessis, riding a wave of momentum with two successful defenses after dethroning Israel Adesanya, steps in as the underdog despite proven grit and a high-output striking game.    Chimaev, undefeated and famed for his relentless wrestling, enters as the favourite.

The tension is more than a weight class affair; it’s personal. A heated stare-down at Friday’s weigh-ins nearly erupted into chaos—raw energy on full display.   Expect fireworks as Du Plessis looks to prove that experience and composure trump hype, while Chimaev chases his first UFC title with explosive aggression.

Co-Main Event: Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico • Featherweight

An unlikely story turns into an opportunity when Lerone Murphy, a 34-year-old former shooting survivor turned undefeated 16-0-1 featherweight, gets a shot at featherweight contention.   Pico , a former Bellator standout with a shaky start in MMA, finally gets his UFC debut in the co-main spot.   

This fight isn’t just about talent—it’s narrative. Murphy, riding a wave of redemption, takes on the touted Pico in what could be a breakthrough performance or a career-defining moment.

Welterweight Bout: Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates •

Geoff Neal returns from injury to face Carlos Prates, a knockout artist with a highlight reel of Performance of the Night bonuses.    The Brazilian dispatched Neil Magny in spectacular fashion and is looking to do the same against Neal’s polished, pressure-oriented style.

Expect fireworks—Prates’ knockout power versus Neal’s experience in the welterweight wars.

Middleweight Bout: Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page •

Cannonier is on a comeback path, earning a TKO win back in Feb.   He clashes with fan-favorite Michael “Venom” Page, the flashy striker known for his flashy stand-up and unpredictable style.

This is a battle of composure versus creativity—Cannonier’s heavy hands and veteran conditioning against Page’s unorthodox striking and ringcraft. A stylistic chess match that could go either way.

Flyweight Bout: Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura •

A high-octane flyweight clash juggles speed, trickery, and veteran savvy. Asakura, hailing from Japan, with a dynamic striking arsenal, meets Elliott, a seasoned vet who thrives in chaos.

As we’ve seen before—experience meets explosion. If the pacing matches their reputations, this could be non-stop action from bell to bell.

Final Thoughts

UFC 319 stacks intriguing matchups all the way down. From a high-stakes title tilt and gritty showdown in the co-main, to striking showcases and veteran brawls—the card promises drama, momentum shifts, and moment-making performances.