
UFC 319

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What is UFC 319?
UFC 319 is an upcoming mixed martial arts event presented by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world’s premier MMA organisation. As with other numbered UFC cards, it’s expected to showcase high-level matchups featuring some of the most recognisable athletes in the sport today.
These flagship events often draw global audiences and major media attention, with every appearance offering fighters the chance to make an impact on their division. While UFC 319’s final lineup remains subject to change, it’s already generating interest thanks to the calibre of talent expected to compete.
Held under the Unified Rules of MMA, the event will follow the UFC’s standard event model, with full regulatory oversight and global broadcast coverage. Details on specific matchups, promotional build-up, and fighter narratives will continue to develop in the lead-up. It’s true to say that UFC 319 is already being positioned as one of the UFC’s key cards for the year.
Where and When Will UFC 319 Be Held?
UFC 319 is scheduled for Saturday, 16 August 2025, with the main pay-per-view card expected to begin at around 6 PM local time (CDT). The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, which is the city’s premier indoor arena and long-standing home to major sports and entertainment events. It marks the UFC’s return to Chicago for the first time since UFC 238 in June 2019.
Located at 1901 West Madison Street, the United Center accommodates over 20,000 fans. The arena is fully accessible and includes EV charging, rideshare zones, and both general and reserved parking options.
The venue can easily be reached via the Green and Pink Line stations at Ashland/Lake and Damen. Numerous bus routes also service the arena. If you’re driving, there are multiple lots available. Those who aren’t lucky enough to make it in person can watch preliminary bouts on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card will be available on pay-per-view.
Prize Money Breakdown
Unlike some combat sports or championship events that offer a central prize pool, UFC 319 does not operate on a fixed tournament purse. Instead, each individual bout on the card carries its own negotiated purse, agreed between the fighters and the UFC in advance.
These payouts can vary wildly depending on the fighters’ contracts, rankings, popularity, and recent performances. In addition to base purses and win bonuses, the UFC also awards performance-based bonuses on the night, which are not pre-disclosed.
These usually include “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” awards, which are typically worth $50,000 each. Here’s a general breakdown of what fighters might expect, based on recent UFC events:
Fighter Tier | Base Purse (Estimated) | Win Bonus (If Applicable) | Potential Bonuses |
Headliners (Title Fight) | $500,000 – $1,000,000+ | $100,000 – $500,000 | $50K Performance bonus |
Ranked Contenders | $100,000 – $250,000 | $100,000 – $250,000 | $50K bonus eligibility |
Mid-Card Fighters | $40,000 – $80,000 | $40,000 – $80,000 | $50K bonus eligibility |
Newcomers / Undercard | $10,000 – $30,000 | Often similar to base pay | $50K bonus eligibility |
These figures are typical but not guaranteed, as fighter pay in the UFC is often confidential and may include additional discretionary bonuses not publicly disclosed.
Ultimately, UFC 319’s financial structure rewards performance and star power. Fighters who finish fights impressively or show exceptional grit in battle often leave with significantly more than just their contracted purse.
Who’s Competing at UFC 319?
The full fight card for UFC 319 brings together a mix of champions, top contenders, and rising names who’re all set to step into the Octagon across multiple weight classes. While the final lineup may still see late adjustments, the current list already reflects one of the strongest UFC rosters we’ve seen this year.
There’s a solid mix of styles, reputations, and motivations on show, and no shortage of names that could shake up their divisions with a strong win here. Key fighters currently slated to appear in August include:
- Dricus du Plessis: The current defending UFC Middleweight Champion
- Khamzat Chimaev: An unbeaten contender known for his fast finishes
- Michael “Venom” Page: An ex-Bellator standout and elite striker
- Jared Cannonier: A former middleweight title challenger
- Geoff Neal: A veteran welterweight with knockout power
- Carlos Prates: A fast-rising Brazilian prospect
- Jessica Andrade: A former strawweight champion
- Tim Elliott: A flyweight veteran and former title challenger
- Bobby Green: Unpredictable lightweight brawler
Topping the bill, du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Chimaev in a highly anticipated headline clash that’s been building for months. As such, it could easily be the fight that defines this summer’s UFC schedule.
Tournament and Structure
Although UFC 319 features a full championship fight card, it’s not a tournament-based event. Each matchup on the night is an individual contest, scheduled and promoted separately. There’s no bracket, elimination format, or overall event “winner”.
Instead, there are eleven sanctioned bouts, each with its own stakes and contracted purse. As with most UFC pay-per-view events, the structure of the evening follows a familiar pattern designed to build toward the headline clash. Bouts are split across three phases, typically in the following order:
- Early Prelims: 3 to 4 lower-card bouts (often UFC newcomers or returning fighters)
- Prelims: 4 mid-card bouts featuring rising contenders and solid names
- Main Card: 5 featured bouts, including co-main and main event
- Main Event: Title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev
Each bout is scheduled for three rounds, except for the main event, which is a five-round title contest. The early prelims are expected to begin at 5 PM local time, with the main card starting at 9 PM CDT (Central Daylight Time).
All fights are held under the Unified Rules of MMA, with rounds lasting five minutes and one-minute breaks between them. Bouts are overseen by state athletic commission officials, with referees, judges, and medical staff present cageside throughout the event.
Who Will Win at UFC 319?
With the fight card for UFC 319 now largely confirmed, fans and analysts have started making predictions on how the night might unfold. Based on current form, style matchups, and early betting sentiment, here’s how some of the key contests are expected to play out.
Division | Matchup | Likely Winner | Why? |
Middleweight | Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev | Du Plessis | Du Plessis is experienced in five-round fights and more proven over long contests |
Middleweight | Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page | Cannonier | Cannonier is better tested inside the Octagon, and heavy hands could overwhelm Page |
Welterweight | Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates | Neal | Neal is a sharper boxer and has more UFC-level experience |
Flyweight | Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura | Asakura | Asakura is an aggressive finisher with youth and speed on his side |
Strawweight | Jessica Andrade vs. Lupita Godínez | Godínez | Godinez’s recent momentum and strong grappling make her a favourite |
While nothing is guaranteed once the cage door closes, these predictions offer a snapshot of where expectations currently sit. With a mix of knockout power, ground game threats, and unpredictable energy across the board, UFC 319 could easily deliver a few big surprises when it all kicks off in Chicago.