A world champion battles an undefeated challenger in the massive main event of UFC 319.
Dricus du Plessis will defend his title for the third time on August 16, when he battles Khamzat Chimaev at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Both men boast incredible win streaks in the build-up to the fight, with du Plessis having not lost in his last eleven and Chimaev boasting a 14-0 record in the octagon.
Anything could happen on the night between these evenly-matched fighters, with the winner walking out with du Plessis’ UFC Middleweight championship at the end of it.
Here’s everything you need to know about the full fight card for UFC 319.
Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
The main event of UFC 319 pits UFC Middleweight champion du Plessis against Chimaev in a fight that could go either way.
The 14-0 Chimaev has used his wrestling skills to dominate all eight of his UFC opponents so far, including big names like Robert Whittaker, Kamaru Usman, and Kevin Holland.
However, he hasn’t fought since October last year, leaving nearly a year between fights, which could indicate some ring rust for the Emirati fighter.
Meanwhile, du Plessis cemented himself as South Africa’s greatest ever fighter back in February, when he beat American Sean Strickland for the second time to extend his own record to 23-2.
Chimaev has assembled an all-star training camp for this fight as he aims to become world champion in the UFC for the first time in a massive main event of UFC 319.
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico
The co-main event features a bold move by Aaron Pico, taking on the undefeated Lerone Murphy in his debut fight in the UFC.
While some have questioned Pico for taking on Murphy so soon in his UFC career, a win could make his name in the promotion in one night, after a strong career at Bellator.
However, Murphy will be the overwhelming favorite and should walk out of Chicago with the win.
Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
Two men who recently lost to Ian Machado Garry will do battle at UFC 319 in Chicago.
Geoff Neal was beaten by Garry at UFC 298, while Carlos Prates went five rounds before a unanimous decision loss to the Irishman in the main event of the UFC on ESPN show in April.
While Neal did get a win over Rafael dos Anjos in October last year, he is still searching for a big victory to get back on track, the same as Prates.
Prates should be confident to win this one given his superior record, although time will tell how he can bounce back from his first UFC defeat.
Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page
Two top Middleweights looking to climb up the UFC ranks are in action against one another in what should be an exciting fight at UFC 319.
Jared Cannonier and Michael Page are coming off wins in their last fight, which included Page’s return to Middleweight in February.
Both men have won around half of their fights via knockout and have only three losses each. This one seems certain not to go the distance.
The only uncertainty is which powerhouse will be left standing at the end of the bout.
Tim Elliot vs. Kai Asakura
Former Ultimate Fighter winner and UFC veteran Tim Elliot is in action on August 16, looking to get some consistency after some mixed results in the octagon.
Elliot has won two of his last five fights and has failed to string three wins together since his time in Titan FC back in 2016.
However, Kai Asakura has an even bigger motivation to win this one – keeping his job in the UFC. The Japanese fighter lost his debut at UFC 310, and a second consecutive loss could see his time in the promotion come to an end after huge success in Japan.
This is Elliot’s first fight in 17 months, and a loss could prove devastating for his future title aspirations.
Prelims
Six fights have been announced to take place on the prelims before the UFC 319 card on August 16.
King Green and Carlos Diego Ferreira’s fight has been called off due to injury, with Dana White’s Contender Series winner Baysangur Susurkaev making his debut against Erin Nolan.
Elsewhere, the sole women’s fight on the prelims sees former UFC Women’s Strawweight champion Jessica Andrade aiming to get back into title contention against Loopy Godinez, who is fresh off a win over Julia Polastri back in March.
Continuing down the card, there are two more Lightweight bouts on the prelims.
Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez and Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose feature on the card, before Bryan Battle looks to extend his five-fight undefeated streak as he takes on the 4-1 Nursulton Ruziboev in what is expected to open the prelims.
Early prelims
The only fight currently announced for the UFC 319 early prelims is the Women’s Flyweight title between Karina Silva and JJ Aldrich.
Both women are knocking on the door of the top ten in the Women’s Flyweight division and could make a name for themselves with a big win in Chicago on August 16.