UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling events of 2025, set to take place on August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. With a blockbuster middleweight title fight and a stacked card, recent developments have heightened the excitement. Here’s the latest news surrounding UFC 319 and what fans can expect.
Fight Card Hit by Last-Minute Cancellations
Just days before UFC 319, the event faced a setback with two fight cancellations due to injuries. The lightweight bout between King Green and Diego Ferreira was scrapped, followed by the withdrawal of the Ultimate Fighter Season 33 welterweight final between Rodrigo Sezinando and Daniil Donchenko. The UFC announced that the TUF 33 welterweight final will be rescheduled for a later date, leaving fans disappointed but hopeful for future matchups. Despite these losses, the card remains robust with 14 bouts, including the flyweight TUF 33 final between Alibi Idiris and Joseph Morales.
New Addition Strengthens the Card
To offset the cancellations, UFC 319 welcomed a new fight featuring Baysangur Susurkaev, who earned a UFC contract with a first-round body kick knockout on Dana White’s Contender Series. Susurkaev will face Cage Fury FC Welterweight Champion Eric Nolan, adding fresh talent to an already exciting lineup. This last-minute addition has sparked buzz among fans, with many eager to see Susurkaev’s debut performance.
Main Event Buzz: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
The middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev remains the centerpiece of UFC 319. Recent news highlights the intense buildup, with former champion Israel Adesanya predicting a potential upset by Du Plessis due to his relentless style. Adesanya noted that Chimaev’s aggressive start could be countered by Du Plessis’ ability to drag fights into later rounds, making this a must-watch clash. Meanwhile, Chimaev’s camp has faced scrutiny, with Daniel Cormier expressing concerns about his preparation, adding intrigue to the matchup.
Co-Main Event and Other Highlights
The co-main event features Lerone Murphy taking on Aaron Pico, who stepped in on short notice for his UFC debut. Recent posts on X show fans buzzing about Pico’s potential to shake up the featherweight division. Other notable fights include Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates and Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page, both expected to deliver fireworks based on recent fighter interviews. Joe Rogan’s return to commentary alongside Dustin Poirier has also generated excitement, marking his first event since a brief retirement.
How to Catch the Action
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Date and Time: August 16, 2025; Early Prelims at 6:00 PM ET, Prelims at 8:00 PM ET, Main Card at 10:00 PM ET.
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Where to Watch: Stream on ESPN+ PPV ($79.99), with prelims on ESPN, ESPN+, and Disney+.
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Tickets: Available on Ticketmaster or StubHub, starting at $400 for limited-view seats.
Why UFC 319 Matters
Despite recent cancellations, UFC 319 remains a pivotal event with a championship fight, a high-stakes co-main event, and emerging talents like Susurkaev. Fans can expect intense action and career-defining moments. Stay updated by following UFC’s official channels or joining discussions on X to share your predictions for this epic night.