UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev – Full Fight Card, Start Time & How to Watch the Summer Showdown.
The UFC summer pay-per-view series is closing with a blockbuster clash. Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will put his title on the line against the undefeated wrecking machine Khamzat Chimaev in a fight that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
On Saturday, August 16, the United Center in Chicago will host UFC’s first event in the Windy City since 2019 — and it promises to deliver fireworks.
The Story So Far: Du Plessis’ Reign Meets Chimaev’s Undefeated Streak.
Dricus du Plessis (23-2) is no stranger to high-stakes battles. Since seizing the middleweight crown from Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024 via a razor-close split decision, the South African has defended his belt twice:
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UFC 305 (Aug 2024) – Defeated Israel Adesanya in a thrilling contest.
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UFC 312 (Feb 2025) – Edged out Strickland again in a rematch.
Now, he faces his most dangerous challenge yet.
Khamzat Chimaev (14-0) has bulldozed his way through the UFC ranks, finishing 12 of his 14 fights before the final bell. His last outing saw him submit former champion Robert Whittaker in the very first round (October 2024). This is his first crack at UFC gold — and he’s hungry to prove the hype is real.
UFC 319: Date, Start-Times & How to Watch
đź“… Date: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025
⏰ Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET
🥊 Main Event Cage Walks (Approx.): 12:05 a.m. ET
📍 Venue: United Center, Chicago
Broadcast & Streaming:
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Early Prelims: ESPN+, Disney+
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Prelims: ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+
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Main Card: Pay-per-view
Full UFC 319 Fight Card.
Main Card (PPV - ESPN):
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Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight title fight
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Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico – Featherweight
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Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates – Welterweight
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Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page – Middleweight
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Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura – Flyweight
Prelims (ESPN / ESPN+ / Disney+):
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King Green vs. Diego Ferreira – Lightweight
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Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk – Middleweight
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Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez – Women’s Strawweight
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Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez – Lightweight
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Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose – Lightweight
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Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev – Lightweight
Early Prelims (ESPN+ / Disney+):
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Karine Silva vs. JJ Aldrich – Women’s Flyweight
Why This Fight Matters
This isn’t just another title defense — it’s a clash of styles, egos, and legacies. Du Plessis has the grit and experience of a champion who’s been tested under fire. Chimaev has the raw dominance and fearlessness of an unbeaten predator.
Someone’s streak — title or undefeated record — is ending in Chicago.
How to Watch Plessis v Chimaev, UFC 319
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Event: UFC 319 – Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
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Date: Aug. 16, 2025
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Location: United Center, Chicago
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Main Event: Du Plessis defends his middleweight crown against Chimaev.
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How to Watch: Early Prelims (ESPN+, Disney+), Prelims (ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+), Main Card (PPV).
🔥 Don’t just hear about it — witness history live. Whether you’re streaming on ESPN+, tuning in on ESPN, or watching the PPV, UFC 319 is the fight night every MMA fan will be talking about for years.
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