The UFC returns to The Windy City for the first time since 2019 this weekend with a highly anticipated middleweight title matchup headlining the action.
UFC 319 features reigning 185-pound champion Dricus Du Plessis taking on undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev Saturday night at Chicago’s United Center.
Du Plessis, 31 from South Africa, is 9-0 in the UFC and coming off his second title defence and second victory over former champion Sean Strickland. Du Plessis also defended his title against former champ Israel Adesanya.
Chimaev is 8-0 in the UFC and has never lost in his professional mixed martial arts career. The 31-year-old who’s now representing the United Arab Emirates earned his title shot by submitting former titleholder Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308 last year.
-
Watch UFC 319 on Sportsnet+
Dricus Du Plessis will look to defend the middleweight title against undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. Watch UFC 319 on Saturday, Aug. 16 with prelim coverage beginning 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, and pay-per-view main card starting at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT.
Purchase the event
UFC 319 also features the debut of former Bellator MMA star Aaron Pico meeting unbeaten Lerone Murphy in a pivotal featherweight contest in the co-main event.
Before the fighters step into the cage, here’s what else is happening during fight week…
Sportsnet’s Aaron Bronsteter, plus former UFC fighter Diana Belbita, are in Chicago providing coverage beginning on Tuesday, so stay tuned to Sportsnet.ca for exclusive content and one-on-one fighter interviews.
Aug. 13, Media Day: Official media events begin Wednesday when participating athletes will speak with gathered reporters in Chicago.
Aug.14, Pre-fight Press Conference: All UFC 319 main card athletes will be on stage Thursday in front of fans at Radius Chicago beginning at approximately 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT. This event will be available to stream live on Sportsnet+.
Aug.15, Ceremonial Weigh-in: Several hours after the official weigh-in has wrapped up, the fighters will face off with their respective opponents in front of cheering fans at Radius Chicago on the eve of the event. This will also be available to stream live on Sportsnet+ beginning at approximately 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT.
Aug. 16, the fights: Saturday’s prelims are headlined by veteran lightweights Bobby “King” Green and Diego Ferreira, with Sportsnet coverage beginning at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT. The pay-per-view main card kicks off with former flyweight title challengers Tim Elliott and Kai Asakura going toe-to-toe beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Projected UFC 319 bout order below (subject to change):
— Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
— Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
— Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
— Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page
– Tim Elliott vs. Kai asakura
— Bobby “King” Green vs. Diego Ferreira
– Gerald Manchert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
— Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez
— Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper
– Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
— Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
– Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa
Rogan returns to the broadcast
Joe Rogan was notably absent from UFC 318 in July — a rare U.S.-based pay-per-view card he wasn’t part of — but he will be resuming his cageside commentary duties this weekend alongside Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik.
Recently retired lightweight star Dustin Poirier will also be part of the UFC 319 broadcast team in Chicago.
Poirier, who headlined UFC 318 last month for his farewell fight, will join Chael Sonnen, Anthony Smith and Michael Chiesa on the analyst desk. Bruce Buffer will be the in-cage announcer per usual, Charly Arnolt is set to serve as the roving reporter speaking with fighters backstage on fight night, plus Din Thomas will provide occasional coaching analysis during the event.