On August 16 in Chicago, the numbered event UFC 319 will take place. In the main event of the evening, undefeated Khamzat Chimaev will attempt to take the middleweight championship belt from the current titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. In the co-main event, a featherweight bout will feature Aaron Pico and Lerone Murphy. Also on the card are Carlos Prates, Michael Page, Nursulton Ruziboev, Jessica Andrade, and others. TelecomAsia Sport breaks down the key fights of the upcoming event.
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Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev’s path to a title shot turned out to be longer and more difficult than initially expected. The Chechen’s debut performances in the UFC caused a real sensation, impressing both fans and analysts. However, with each subsequent appearance, Khamzat faced various problems outside the octagon — illnesses, long layoffs, and even thoughts of retiring. The fights themselves were also far from smooth. Against Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns, “Borz” had to put in a lot of effort to edge out victories.
By the time Chimaev finally reached a title fight, a new champion from South Africa had settled in the middleweight division. Dricus Du Plessis is a well-rounded fighter, dangerous in all aspects. His main advantage is his endurance in five-round fights. Past fights have shown that Chimaev struggles against well-rounded and durable opponents. His quick win over Robert Whittaker is not truly indicative. It’s better to focus on the two grueling fights with Burns and Usman, where his weaknesses were exposed. At this stage of their careers, Du Plessis is clearly in better condition than those two.
Bookmakers expect a mismatch, still influenced by Chimaev’s intimidating aura. But we foresee an upset. Khamzat has promised to “kill and destroy” many, but in the last two years, he’s only destroyed Whittaker — whom Du Plessis had already beaten. Over the same period, the South African finished Israel Adesanya and defeated the tricky Sean Strickland twice. Experience, endurance, and career momentum are on the champion’s side — and in our opinion, these are the key factors in this fight.
Predicted outcome: Dricus Du Plessis to win.
Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
A ranked welterweight bout will take place between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates. Both are outside the top 10 and both lost to Ian Machado Garry — although Neal gave Garry a tougher fight. In MMA, such “triangles” don’t mean much, though. Carlos is seen as the favorite, and indeed, his chances of winning are high. The Brazilian’s career trajectory is leading him toward the top 10, while Neal is barely holding his ground.
Carlos is a tall, long, and unorthodox striker. In the past, Neal has repeatedly lost to opponents who kept him at range. Prates also possesses knockout power, so this fight may not go the distance.
Predicted outcome: Carlos Prates to win by KO/TKO.
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Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page
Another exciting fight will take place in the middleweight division between veterans Michael Page and Jared Cannonier. “Venom” has a great chance to build a winning streak and make another loud statement. In his last fight, Michael upset the fans of promising Russian prospect Sharabutdin Magomedov, and this time he has every chance to beat a former title challenger.
When Michael faces strikers like Jared, he enjoys a comfortable edge in skill and confidence. To beat Page, you need strong wrestling or vicious low kicks — Cannonier has neither. Compared to Michael, Jared is a slow, straightforward striker whom Page will quickly figure out. If Michael avoids careless mistakes, he can showcase how superior his famous kickboxing technique really is.
Predicted outcome: Michael Page to win by decision.
Nursulton Ruziboev vs. Bryan Battle
American Bryan Battle has moved up to middleweight and is considered a slight favorite against Ruziboev. Both fighters are versatile, strong both standing and on the ground, and both are consistent — each has suffered only one loss in the past five years.
In theory, Nursulton should have a physical advantage — the Uzbek is quite a large middleweight. But Battle may adapt well here. Statistically, the American is much more active. Although Bryan absorbs more strikes, he creates twice as many successful offensive sequences. Ruziboev tends to throw single shots and wait for opportunities. His takedown defense is also weak, likely because he trusts his grappling and ability to secure a choke. But Bryan is not easy to catch, and if Nursulton can’t finish him, he risks losing due to inactivity.
Predicted outcome: Bryan Battle to win by decision.
Alibi Idris vs. Joseph Morales
The fight opening the numbered event will be the final of The Ultimate Fighter 33 in the flyweight division, featuring Alibi Idris and Joseph Morales. Idris is an undefeated prospect from Kazakhstan, while Morales has prior UFC experience — though not a successful one, with two losses in three bouts.
Fans can expect another clash of styles, but Idris’s potential is on a completely different level. Morales relies heavily on strong grappling, while the Kazakh fighter combines wrestling with explosive striking. Idris could become a fresh intrigue in the flyweight division, and this fight should be his ticket into the UFC.
Predicted outcome: Alibi Idris to win by decision.
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These are the expected main matchups at UFC 319. Don’t miss the upcoming event, which could deliver plenty of surprises for MMA fans.
