UFC 319 Returns to Chicago with Fierce Undercard Bouts, and Rising Anticipation

UFC 319 is more than just a numbered fight night—it’s a return to a city that’s long been hungry for elite MMA action. Back in Chicago for the first time since 2019, the UFC brings a thunderous lineup topped by the clash between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev.

As fans pour in from around the world and buzz fills the air, UFC 319 is already shaping up to be a moment that lingers far beyond the final bell. It’s fierce. It’s fast. And it’s full of raw energy that defines the very best of the Octagon.

Training room talk: du Plessis enters with sky-high confidence

In the lead-up to UFC 319, one prediction stands out: Mark Hulme, long-time training partner of Dricus du Plessis, is confident the champ will finish Chimaev in under three rounds. His reasoning? du Plessis’s dominance in wrestling exchanges and strategic pressure.

With that insider insight, fans are looking closely at how the reigning champ may dismantle one of the UFC’s most hyped and dangerous challengers. Meanwhile, Chimaev—known for bulldozing his opponents—has no plans of backing down. Their showdown feels personal, technical, and explosively inevitable.

The Chicago spotlight: an Octagon return six years in the making

This event marks the eighth time UFC lands in Chicago, but it’s the first since the unforgettable UFC 238 in 2019. That time gap only fuels the excitement now, as the Windy City preps for a full-throttle weekend filled with elite talent, championship pressure, and electric fans ready to witness history.

Chicago isn’t just a location—it’s part of the fight narrative. And the moment the lights hit the canvas, the city becomes a co-star to every punch, kick, and takedown.

Off the card, on the radar: Paddy Pimblett ends rumors with clarity

Social chatter exploded with the possibility of Paddy Pimblett facing Justin Gaethje at UFC 319. But in true Paddy fashion, he shut the noise down fast. The Liverpool fan-favorite confirmed he’s not fighting in Chicago and will return later in 2025.

Even in absence, Pimblett’s buzz underscores just how powerful UFC 319’s spotlight has become—everyone wants a piece of it.

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Main card power and rising stars collide in fierce matchups

While the title bout headlines, the rest of UFC 319 carries its own gravity. From debutants to seasoned veterans, this is one of the most well-rounded cards of the year.

The co-main brings Aaron Pico into the UFC octagon for his long-awaited debut against Lerone Murphy. Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates finally get their clash after delays, and Jared Cannonier squares off with striking specialist Michael “Venom” Page.

In the only bullet section of this article, the main card continues with:

• Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez (Women’s Strawweight)
• Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura (Men’s Flyweight)
• Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose (Men’s Lightweight)
• Bobby Green vs Diego Ferreira (Men’s Lightweight)
• Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev (Men’s Middleweight)
• Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez (Men’s Lightweight)
• Gerald Meerschaert vs Michal Oleksiejczuk (Men’s Middleweight)
• Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa (Women’s Flyweight), replacing JJ Aldrich

Backup fighter Caio Borralho is also on standby, ready to jump into the main event if either fighter pulls out—adding another layer of intensity and readiness behind the scenes.

Why UFC 319 is the moment to be part of

The UFC isn’t just staging fights—it’s staging milestones. UFC 319 is a showcase of world-class skill and real-time legacy building, where every matchup holds meaning and every entrance has impact.

Whether you’re watching cage-side in Chicago or catching the spectacle from your screen, this is the kind of night that shifts careers, crowns champions, and delivers unforgettable moments. UFC 319 has all the makings of a classic—don’t just hear about it. Experience it.

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