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Setting up shop at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, UFC 319 delivers on a bevvy of incredible matchups, topped off by a colossal middleweight championship bout between defending incumbent Dricus Du Plessis and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Before that, though, featherweight contender Lerone Murphy tests himself against previous Bellator icon Aaron Pico.
UFC 319 Main Event
Winner of nine straight inside the Octagon, Du Plessis has remained a force of nature in the UFC’s 185-lb division, netting impressive victories over Robert Whittaker, Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, twice. Seeking to record the third retention of his strap, “Stillknocks” can firmly call himself one of the best in the world by defeating the man whom many call the most dangerous fighter in the promotion.
Standing at an immaculate 14-0, Chimaev has garnered a much-earned reputation as an exciting middleweight competitor to watch, holding stoppage wins on Jingliang Li, Kevin Holland and Whittaker. Stalking the champion from the shadows until the cage doors close this Saturday, “Borz” bears his fangs as he prepares to lunge forward into champion status.
UFC 319 Co-Main Event
Undefeated in both his amateur and professional careers, Murphy has evolved from a promising prospect to legitimate title threat over the past couple of years, proven by his dominant triumphs over Edson Barboza, Dan Ige and Josh Emmett. Although he is tasked with turning away a hot UFC newcomer who has all the momentum in the world behind him, “The Miracle” is all but happy to play spoiler as he continues his ascent towards the top.
For a long time now, Pico has been regarded as a burgeoning phenom in the sport, having once been viewed as a cornerstone name in Bellator while the organization was still active. Now nearing his prime, the former standout wrestler appears ready to realize his full potential as a pound-for-pound great when he makes his long-awaited debut in the global leader in mixed martial arts.
More Bouts On the Main Card
Rounding out the main card, the hard-hitting Geoff Neal pairs up with the equally destructive Carlos Prates. Then, the venerable middleweight Jared Cannonier collides with fan-favorite striker Michael Page. Finally, Ultimate Fighter winner Tim Elliot locks horns with Japanese steamroller Kai Asakura.
UFC 319 Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
PFL picks from main cards for pay-per-views and from tournament fights in the Regular Season, Playoffs, and Finals.
ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
The individual who picks the most victorious fighters by the end of 2025 will have a choice between receiving a custom-made championship belt from ProAmBelts or a detailed chain from Championship Chains. Staff picks in 2023 were won by Ben Jamieson with a record of 300-148.
Find our UFC 319 picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after PFL 9 (2025):
Hank Strandberg: 135-78
Drew Zuhosky: 110-103
Frazer Krohn: 101-77
Jeremy Brand: 98-77
Andrew Benjamin: 28-89
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Kai Asakura -335
Vs.
Tim Elliott +275
FLYWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Hank Strandberg: Asakura by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Elliot by Unanimous DecisionFrazer Krohn: Asakura by Round Two Knockout Andrew Benjamin: Elliot by Split Decision
Staff picking Asakura: 2
Staff picking Elliot: 2
Michael Page -190
Vs.
Jared Cannonier +165
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Hank Strandberg: Page by Unanimous Decision Drew Zuhosky: Page by Unanimous Decision Frazer Krohn: Page by Unanimous Decision Andrew Benjamin: Page by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Page: 4
Staff picking Cannonier: 0
Carlos Prates -225
Vs.
Geoff Neal +190
WELTERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Hank Strandberg: Prates by Third Round Knockout Decision Drew Zuhosky: Neal by Unanimous DecisionFrazer Krohn: Prates by Unanimous Decision Andrew Benjamin: Prates by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Prates: 3
Staff picking Neal: 1
Aaron Pico -160
Vs.
Lerone Murphy +140
FEATHERWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Hank Strandberg: Murphy by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Pico by Unanimous Decision Frazer Krohn: Murphy by Unanimous DecisionAndrew Benjamin: Murphy by Second Round Knockout
Staff picking Pico: 1
Staff picking Murphy: 3
Khamzat Chimaev -235
Vs.
Dricus Du Plessis +200
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Jeremy Brand: Hank Strandberg: Du Plessis by Unanimous DecisionDrew Zuhosky: Du Plessis by Round One Submission Frazer Krohn: Chimaev by Round 1 Submission Andrew Benjamin: Du Plessis by Round Three Knockout
Staff picking Chimaev: 1
Staff picking Du Plessis: 3
