The stage has been set for the headlining acts of UFC 319! Both Main Event Fighters made championship weight with ease, including both co main event fighters making the weight without issue.
A big weight lifted off fans shoulders, as there is always concerns when Chimaev hits the scales. With the weight being made with ease, the main event is set to go off as scheduled.
The Co – Main Event was also made official as Debutant Aaron Pico made the featherweight limit for the first time with the promotion. Murphy continued his professionalism as well with another clean weigh in.
The press conference proved to be incredibly exciting as well. With all kinds of trash talk being tossed between main event fighters, they have done their best to sell the fight & leave fans with high anticipation.
With all the pre fight antics and stressful weigh ins complete, UFC 319 is nearly upon us! On that note lets get right into some analysis, best bets & predictions of UFC 319 , Live from The United Center in Chicago, Illinois!
All betting odds are presented by BetOnline.ag as of 8/16/2025 at 11 a.m.
Check out the odds for the entire card at the best online sportsbooks available in the U.S.
UFC 319 Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs Khamzat Chimaev Analysis, Best Bet & Prediction
The Final Faceoff Between Dricus Du Plessis & Khamzat Chimaev Turns Physical
The main event of UFC 319 is set to kick off tonight with all bouts being made official. The final face off between Main Event fighters was eventful to say the least as fighters had to be separated.
Dricus Du Plessis looked calm cool and collected as he is ready to make his 3rd title defense against contender Khamzat Chimaev. Dominating his previous 2 defenses, fans are excited to see a new challenge for the South African Champion.
The champion is riding a lot of momentum into this fight, currently on a 11 fight win streak with 9 straight under the UFC Banner. He has made the most of his opportunities sporting a near 70% finish rate in his time with the UFC.
An underdog in this match up with Chimaev, Du Plessis is no stranger to being overlooked. Closing as the underdog in 5 of his 9 fights, despite winning all 5 .
Will Dricus Prove The Sportsbooks Wrong Once Again?
Bettors have become comfortable seeing Dricus Du Plessis at dog odds which could be problematic against a prospect like Chimaev. This will be the biggest test of Du Plessis career and I believe the odds actually reflect that point.
Du Plessis has made a name for himself in the UFC by applying his pressure, dominate wrestling, BJJ skills, and big power in his hands. His cardio seemed to be a factor at one point, but he has proven he has an abnormal will to win despite how gassed he is.
Overcoming a lot of adversity in some fights, he has shown a sheer will to win at whatever cost. No matter how hurt, or how tired he is, the champion always seems to overcome to find the win.
I believe it is only a matter of time before he runs into an unstoppable force that will take him to a place he has never been. Khamzat Chimaev will test his will unlike any other contender he has faced in the Middleweight division.
Will Chimaev Finally Touch UFC Gold?
Chimaev Looks To Make The Most Of His First Title Opportunity at UFC 319
Khamzat Chimaev is one of the UFC’s biggest stars. On a 8 fight winning streak of his own, while finishing 6 of 8 fights inside the UFC cage.
As impressive as he has been inside the octagon, there has been some concerns outside of it. Many health concerns & visa issues have forced him out of fights, pulling out of 4 fights in his time with the UFC.
There has always been some doubt Chimaev is able to show up & make the weight. As of late he has put those concerns to rest, seemingly getting his health under control and moving up to middleweight to make the weight easier.
Weather at welterweight or middleweight, he has shown just how dangerous he is in the Octagon. Finishing his fights, often quickly , he has earned a title shot thru shear dominance.
Will Chimaev Continue His Run Of Dominance?
Chimaev often brings a relentless wrestling pace to his fights with little to no resistance to his game. In the striking department, he has shown he has the skills to hang with the best while showcasing big power in his hands.
The versatility in his submission game has also shined through, once he gets the squeeze going his opponents tap very quickly. In his last fight he broke Robert Whittakers jaw with a face crank choke, a rare event in MMA.
The one flaw Chimaev has shown is his distance striking defense. Getting touched up in his fights against Usman & Burns although he was still able to secure the win.
In this fight with Du Plessis I dont believe Chimaev will allow him to get close enough to him to take advantage of this weakness. I believe Chimaev will push forward and use a offensive grappling game plan to stifle Du Plessis.
I believe Chimaev is just to much for Du Plessis to handle without making a mistake. Chimaev will take advantage of any small mistake and finally claim UFC gold.
Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs Khamzat Chimaev Prediction – Khamzat Chimaev Wins (-255) at BetOnline
Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (C) vs Khamzat Chimaev Best Bet – Khamzat Chimaev By KO/TKO (+325) at BetOnline
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UFC 319 Co – Main Event Aaron Pico vs Lerone Murphy Analysis, Best Bet & Prediction
Both Co – Main Event Fighters Made Weight For Their Match Up At UFC 319
MMA fans are particularly excited to see Aaron Pico make his UFC debut at UFC 319. Coming over from Bellator, fans across the globe looking forward to seeing how his skills match up with UFC featherweights.
Pico made a name for himself in Bellator, growing up in the promotion by making his debut at just 20 years old. He made his pro debut in Bellator as well, with his entire 13-4 record coming under the promotion.
It was clear he outgrew the promotion and it was time to move on to a higher level of competition. Pico wanted to test himself against the best featherweights in the world, and that only comes under the UFC banner.
A very credentialed and skilled grappler, Aaron Pico finds most of his success through wrestling. Averaging many takedowns in his bellator fights, he has been able to use his pressure and relentless take downs to secure his 13 wins.
Will Pico Make The Most Of His UFC Debut?
Over the course of his tenure, he found the power in his hands. Improving his striking skills as he grew under the promotion, he has shown fans he is legitimately dangerous in the boxing department.
Pico is not much of a head hunter when striking. Often digging deep hooks into the body to wear down his opponent and slow down their movement so he can implement his grappling pace.
A big concern for bettors is his 4 losses in Bellator to lower competition. It needs to be understood, that one of those losses came in his first pro fight and another coming via Injury.
The other 2 losses, are cause for concern in my opinion. He showed a weakness that can very well be exploited in the UFC, his chin.
Can Murphy Take Advantage Of Pico’s Weakness?
The striking seems to be on the level of the UFC, but his ability to take one to give one may not be there. In a fight with great striker like Murphy, this could prove problematic.
It remains to be seen weather Pico will be able to impliment his wrestling game plan. I believe it is very risky to trust a fighter at this price without seeing how he matches up with UFC Competition.
Lerone Murphy Looks To Continue His Run To The Featherweight Title.
Lerone Murphy has been on a run of dominance himself. Riding a 7 fight win streak under the UFC banner and proving he belongs at the top of the rankings.
Beating many top contenders, Murphy is looking for a title shot with a statement win over Aaron Pico At UFC 319. Coming off a dominate showing over UFC Veteran Josh Emmett in April.
Murphy is also proving just how game he is by accepting this fight on just a few weeks notice. The prospect could not pass up the opportunity to put a statement on his title shot aspirations.
In his time with the UFC, Murphy has shown great footwork, versatile striking, and big power in hands. Despite 5 straight decision wins, he has shown he has the ability to win without finding the knockout.
Will Murphy Secure His Title Shot With A Statement Win At UFC 319?
Showing some small holes in his game along the way, he sports just a 52% take down percentage. Often being controlled for the majority of the round when he is taken down.
In a fight with such a good grappler this could prove problematic on his route to a win at UFC 319. If Murphy can not keep the fight on the feet, he is in for a long night.
Another concern bettors have with Murphy is his chin. With some questionable reactions to some shots, along with a few knockdowns, some bettors have questions of his durability.
I believe the UFC is the highest level of MMA in the world. Having Sucess under the promotion means a lot more to me then he say or she say skills against lower level opponents.
I expect Murphy to out last the grappling exchanges with Pico and land volume on the feet. I believe he will land the more impactful punches to make a better impression on the UFC judges.
Co – Main Event: Aaron Pico vs Lerone Murphy Prediction – Lerone Murphy Wins (+145)
Co – Main Event: Aaron Pico vs Lerone Murphy Best Bet – Lerone Murphy Wins By Decision (+220)
When is UFC 319?
- UFC 319 will take place Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Where is UFC 319?
- UFC 319 will go down live at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
What time does UFC 319 start?
- UFC 319 Preliminary Card start time: 6:30 p.m. ET
- UFC 319 Main Card start time: 10 p.m. ET
How to Watch UFC 319?
- UFC 319 Preliminary Card Coverage: ESPN+
- UFC 319 Coverage: ESPN+
How to Bet on UFC 319?
Most international and domestic sportsbooks will carry odds for a fight card of this caliber but click here for some sites and applications us bettors here at Betting News recommend for a great UFC betting experience.
If one thing is for sure, Saturday’s card is sure to bring the action. I hope this betting guide helps bring more context to your UFC entertainment experience.
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