One of the most eagerly anticipated matchups in recent memory headlines the United Center in Chicago this weekend, as middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) faces the boogeyman of the 185-pound division, Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC), in the UFC 319 main event.
The card also features the long-awaited debut of former Bellator star Aaron Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC), who takes on unbeaten UK standout Lerone Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC) in a compelling featherweight co-main event.
Here’s a look at all the main card action set for UFC 319 this Saturday.
Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev (UFC Middleweight Championship)
Dricus Du Plessis faces the toughest test of his career in Saturday’s main event as he looks to defend the UFC middleweight title for the third time. “Stillknocks” is riding the longest active winning streak in the division (nine) and has significantly boosted his stock over the past two years with wins over former champions Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya, and Sean Strickland (twice).
As great as those fighters have been, none present the kind of threat that Khamzat Chimaev does. The Chechen is renowned as one of the greatest opening-round fighters in the sport’s history, and the prevailing belief heading into this bout is that if Du Plessis can weather the early storm, his chances of retaining the belt increase dramatically.
With 12 of his 14 career wins coming by stoppage and six performance bonuses earned in just eight UFC fights, Chimaev is must-see TV. If Du Plessis can add his name to the South African’s already impressive list of conquests inside the Octagon this weekend, his star power will likely skyrocket.
Co-Main Event: Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
Originally scheduled to make his UFC debut against Movsar Evloev in Saudi Arabia last month, Aaron Pico will finally make the walk to the Octagon for the first time this weekend when he faces Lerone Murphy.
Having fought exclusively under the Bellator/PFL banner throughout his career, the Jackson-Wink standout has long been regarded as one of the most talented fighters competing outside the UFC. His elite wrestling pedigree, explosive combinations, and jaw-dropping athleticism make Pico an exciting new addition to an already stacked featherweight division.
He’ll face a baptism of fire in his debut, squaring off against UK standout Murphy, who is currently riding the longest active unbeaten streak in the division (nine). A highly technical and well-rounded fighter, “The Miracle” has faced criticism for sometimes playing it too safe. His last finish came against Makwan Amirkhani back in October 2021—five fights ago.
Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
Two southpaws with exceptional knockout power clash on Saturday’s main card as Geoff Neal (15-7 MMA, 7-5 UFC) and Carlos Prates (21-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC) meet in a potential Fight of the Night contender.
With a combined 86% finish rate between both fighters across their careers, the chances of the judge’s scorecards being needed after this fight are slim.
Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page (Middleweight)
Michael “Venom” Page (23-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) returns for his second straight outing at 185 pounds following his impressive performance against Shara Magomedov in February. The UK star has yet to confirm whether he plans to remain in the middleweight division or move back to 170 pounds, where he has spent most of his career.
Saturday’s fight against former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier (18-8 MMA, 11-8 UFC) could help shape that decision. “Killa Gorilla” returns to action for the first time since his sensational comeback win over Gregory Rodrigues in February.
Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura (Flyweight)
Tim Elliott (20-13-1 MMA, 9-11 UFC) is set to tie Joseph Benavidez’s record for most flyweight appearances in UFC history (19) this Saturday. Elliott will face former RIZIN champion Kai Asakura (21-5 MMA, 0-1 UFC) in a bout where both fighters will be seeking their first win since December 2023.
PRELIMINARY CARD
- King Green vs. Diego Ferreira (Lightweight)
- Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oloksiejczuk (Middleweight)
- Baysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan (Middleweight)
- Jessica Andrade vs. Lupita Godinez (Strawweight)
- Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper (Lightweight)
- Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose (Lightweight)
- Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Bryan Battle (Middleweight)
- Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa (Flyweight)
- Rodrigo Sezinando vs. Danilil Donchenko (Welterweight)
- Alibi Idiris vs. Joseph Morales (Flyweight)
