UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev — Your Complete UFC Guide for UFC 319

The UFC middleweight crown is on the line as UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev storms into Chicago. The champion Dricus du Plessis defends against the undefeated force Khamzat Chimaev, and because the stakes couldn’t be higher, the UFC has stacked this card with compelling clashes from top to bottom. To make things easy, this guide clearly lays out timings, the full UFC fight card, venue and gate details, and how to watch—so you don’t miss a second. Moreover, you’ll find fast context on every marquee matchup to keep you informed and hyped.

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UFC Headliner: Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev — Styles, Stakes, and Storylines

UFC 319 places Dricus du Plessis—a relentless pressure fighter with awkward, effective striking and surprising takedown timing—opposite Khamzat Chimaev, a smothering wrestler with explosive entries who also carries real knockout power. While du Plessis built his title run on durability and momentum swings, Khamzat’s unbeaten record speaks to dominance in both wrestling scrambles and striking exchanges. Because of those contrasts, fans should expect rapid pace, clinch wrestling, and sudden momentum shifts. And yes, the UFC middleweight belt is at stake—so every feint and level change matters.

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UFC 319 Date, City, Venue & Gate Times (Local & Global)

• Event: UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
• Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025 (Chicago local)
• Venue: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
• United Center listing: Doors open 4:00 p.m. CT; event time 5:00 p.m. CT (first live fights). That aligns with the UFC broadcast “Early Prelims” slot.

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UFC 319 Start Times — U.S. (ET/PT) and India (IST)

• Early Prelims: 6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT
  India (IST): 3:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug 17
• Prelims: 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT
  India (IST): 5:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug 17
• Main Card (PPV): 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT
  India (IST): 7:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug 17

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How to Watch UFC 319 (USA, Canada & India)

• United States: Main Card on ESPN+ PPV; prelims on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+.
• India: Sony Sports Network (TV) and SonyLIV (streaming). India coverage for UFC 319 is scheduled for Sunday 7:30 a.m. IST for the main card. If you want the full event, start tuning in at 3:30 a.m. IST.

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Full UFC 319 Fight Card (Bout Order by Block)

As always with UFC events, fight lineups can shift during fight week; check on event day for any last-minute changes.

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UFC 319 — Main Card (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT | 7:30 a.m. IST)

1. UFC Middleweight Title: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev
2. Featherweight: Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
3. Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
4. Middleweight: Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page
5. Flyweight: Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura

UFC 319 — Prelims (8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT | 5:30 a.m. IST)

• Lightweight: Bobby “King” Green vs. Diego Ferreira
• Middleweight: Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michał Oleksiejczuk
• Women’s Strawweight: Jéssica Andrade vs. Loopy Godínez
• Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez

UFC 319 — Early Prelims (6:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 p.m. PT | 3:30 a.m. IST)

• Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
• Middleweight: Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
• Flyweight: Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa
• TUF 33 Finale — Flyweight: Alibi Idiris vs. Joseph Morales
• TUF 33 Finale — Welterweight: Rodrigo Sezinando vs. TBA (to be announced)

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UFC 319 Co-Mains and Must-Watch Fights — Why They Matter

Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page (Middleweight)

Cannonier’s low kicks, clinch power, and short-range bombs clash with MVP’s distance manipulation, feints, and blitzes. This is classic UFC matchmaking: style vs. style with genuine stakes for the middleweight ladder.

Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico (Featherweight)

Murphy brings undefeated momentum and clean boxing, while Pico adds explosive entries and thudding body shots. Expect high speed and technical scrambles.

Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight)

Neal’s left-hand power and compact combinations meet Prates’ pressure and finishing instincts. This one could be a fight-of-the-night contender.

Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura (Flyweight)

Elliott’s awkward rhythms and chain wrestling must solve Asakura’s accuracy and timing. Both can swing the fight’s momentum in seconds.

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UFC 319 Champion vs. Challenger — What Each Must Do

Dricus du Plessis (Champion, UFC Middleweight)

• Pressure with feints to keep Khamzat guessing.
• Maintain underhook control to counter body-lock takedowns.
• Target the body to slow Khamzat’s pace in later rounds.

Khamzat Chimaev (Challenger, UFC Middleweight)

• Chain takedowns early to put Dricus on the mat.
• Control from the top before opening up with ground strikes.
• Use safe entries set up by crisp punches to avoid counters.

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UFC 319 Build-Up

Fight week is buzzing with narratives: Du Plessis embracing the challenge, Khamzat Chimaev chasing his first UFC gold, and undercard fighters like Cannonier and MVP aiming to shake up the division. Media interviews and face-offs have only added to the tension.

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UFC 319 Viewer’s Checklist

• If attending in Chicago: Arrive early (doors open 4:00 p.m. CT).
• U.S. Broadcast: Main Card on ESPN+ PPV; Prelims on ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+.
• India Broadcast: Sony Sports Network & SonyLIV — Main Card at 7:30 a.m. IST (Sunday).

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UFC 319 Quick Facts

• Event: UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
• Date: Aug 16, 2025 (U.S.) / Aug 17 (India)
• Venue: United Center, Chicago
• Start Times: Early Prelims 6 p.m. ET, Prelims 8 p.m. ET, Main Card 10 p.m. ET
• India Times: 3:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m., 7:30 a.m. IST (Sunday)
• Co-Mains: Cannonier vs. Page, Murphy vs. Pico, Neal vs. Prates, Elliott vs. Asakura

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Why UFC 319 Matters

While the middleweight championship bout is the main focus, the ripple effects across multiple divisions could be huge. A win for Michael Page at middleweight could fast-track him into a title eliminator. Featherweight and welterweight contenders will also see major ranking shifts based on results.

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Final Word

From the UFC-crowned main event Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev to a main card packed with action, UFC 319 promises high drama and unforgettable moments. With exact times, full fight card, and all viewing details, you’re set for an electric night of MMA action.

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