UFC 319 preview, betting picks & fight predictions | August 16

The Ultimate Fighting Championship hits Chicago’s United Center for UFC 319 on Saturday, August 16, headlined by a middleweight title showdown between unbeaten No.3 contender Khamzat Chimaev and reigning champion Dricus du Plessis.

It’s the UFC’s first Windy City event in over six years, with a stacked card carrying big stakes across multiple divisions.

The co-main event sees undefeated British featherweight Lerone Murphy welcome former Bellator star Aaron Pico to the octagon, while Brazil’s Carlos Prates looks to rebound in a firefight with veteran Geoff Neal.

Also on the main card, highlight-reel striker Michael Page faces hard-hitting Jared Cannonier, and former title challenger Tim Elliott meets Japan’s Kai Asakura in an explosive flyweight opener.

Here’s our UFC 319 fight-by-fight breakdown with the best bets.

UFC 319 main card preview

Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev

Dricus du Plessis (23-2) is relentless and unorthodox, with cardio to go late and an ability to weaponize chaos. He’s unbeaten in the UFC, with scalps over Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland. However, his takedown defense (50%) leaves openings that Chimaev can exploit.

Khamzat Chimaev (14-0) has built a reputation as one of the most smothering offensive wrestlers in UFC history, ragdolling opponents and hunting submissions with ruthless efficiency. His first-round finish of Robert Whittaker reaffirmed his status as a nightmare on the mat.

If Chimaev avoids overextending early, expect him to drag du Plessis down and secure a finish before the championship rounds.

Lerone Murphy v Aaron Pico

Lerone Murphy (16-0-1) has quietly put together one of the featherweight division’s most impressive streaks, outpointing elite names like Edson Barboza, Dan Ige, and Josh Emmett with disciplined striking and rock-solid takedown defense.

Aaron Pico (13-4) brings explosive wrestling and heavy hands, but his UFC debut is a massive step up after years of fighting carefully selected opposition. Against Murphy’s range control and defensive acumen, he may struggle to find consistent offense over three rounds.

Murphy’s risk-averse, technical approach should see him rack up points and protect his unbeaten record and win as an underdog with the top online betting sites.

Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates

Geoff Neal (16-6) is durable and dangerous with his hands, yet he’s been inconsistent against high-volume strikers. If Prates can keep the pace high and vary his attacks, he should edge a decision in a competitive firefight.

Carlos Prates (21-7) is a violent, high-output striker with a knack for landing damaging kicks and knees. His decision loss to Ian Machado Garry exposed some cardio vulnerabilities, but he remains a threat against anyone willing to stand and trade.

Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page

Jared Cannonier (18-8) is 41 but still a powerful, durable contender. He’ll look to pressure and close distance, but if Page keeps the fight at range and picks his shots, a decision win is within reach.

Michael Page (23-3) remains one of MMA’s most unique strikers, using his reach, movement, and unorthodox angles to frustrate opponents. His win over Shara Magomedov showed he can stick to a smart, measured gameplan.

Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura

Tim Elliott (20-13-1) is awkward, experienced, and durable but hasn’t fought since 2023. If this turns into a stand-and-trade type of fight, the veteran might struggle to keep up with his opponent’s speed and accuracy.

Kai Asakura (21-5) returns for his second UFC bout after falling short in a title challenge to Alexandre Pantoja. Known for his sharp counters and fight-ending power, he’s dangerous early.

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UFC 319 prelim picks

King Green vs Diego Ferreira

Gerald Meerschaert vs Michał Oleksiejczuk

Baysangur Susurkaev vs Eric Nolan

Jéssica Andrade vs Lupita Godinez

Alexander Hernandez vs Chase Hooper

UFC 319 early prelim picks

Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose

Nursulton Ruziboev vs Bryan Battle

Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa

Rodrigo Sezinando vs Daniil Donchenko

Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales