UFC 319 fight week is in full swing. As MMA’s top promotion heads to Chicago’s United Center for its August live event, there are some unsettling developments surrounding Dana White’s organization.
Leading up to Saturday’s card, two matches have been removed from the slate of 13 fights. The Ultimate Fighter welterweight final featuring Rodrigo Sezinando against Danil Donchenko has been canceled, along with the anticipated prelim fight between King Green and Diego Ferreira.
The UFC confirmed these updates earlier Thursday and introduced the promotional debut of Baysangur Susurkaev (9-0 MMA) versus Eric Nolan (8-3 MMA) for the undercard. Susurkaev clinched his UFC contract recently at DWCS 77.
This weekend’s UFC 319 will kick off live coverage at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT. Fans in the United States can catch this part of the event on both UFC Fight Pass and ESPN+.
The late prelims will continue at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT on ESPN and ESPN+, with the main card concluding the night at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
UFC 319 Main Event: UFC Middleweight Championship: [C] Dricus du Plessis vs. No. 3 Contender Khamzat Chimaev
The headline match on Saturday night features the UFC Middleweight Championship, with current champion Dricus du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) challenging undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC).
This title match is scheduled for a maximum of five rounds, each lasting five minutes. Champion du Plessis aims to maintain his impressive 11-fight winning streak, while Chimaev, a teammate of the newcomer Susurkaev, strives for continued success in his unblemished career.
UFC 319 Co-Main Event: No. 6 Contender Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
The co-main event will feature a featherweight bout between No. 6 contender Lerone Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC) and Aaron Pico (13-4 MMA, in his UFC debut). This is a crucial fight for Murphy, who seeks to secure a championship opportunity.
Pico’s debut comes after a postponed match last month, and he is eager to perform in Chicago.
UFC 319: No. 11 Contender Geoff Neal vs. No. 12 Contender Carlos Prates
Also featured on the main card is a welterweight clash between No. 11 contender Geoff Neal (16-6 MMA, 6-4 UFC) and No. 12 contender Carlos Prates (21-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC). This fight is a rescheduling from an earlier event where Neal had to withdraw due to injury.
Both fighters come into this match looking for a significant win to boost their standings. Fans can expect an exciting showdown as both look to bounce back and seize victory.
Final Thoughts
Which matchups on the UFC 319 main card are you most excited to watch this Saturday? Share your thoughts in the comments.
