Home of Fight Expert Picks: UFC 319
UFC 319, set for this Saturday at the United Center in Chicago, features a high-stakes middleweight title clash that headlines this star-studded pay-per-view event. The main event pits current UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis against the undefeated powerhouse contender Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis, with a 23-2 record and a reputation for his versatile striking and grappling, defends his belt against Chimaev, who remains unbeaten at 14-0 and is known for his relentless pressure and dominant wrestling. This bout promises a thrilling clash of styles and a true test for the champion’s reign.
The co-main event spotlights a featherweight showdown between undefeated Lerone Murphy and the dynamic Aaron Pico. Murphy, a rising star with impeccable speed and striking, takes on Pico, a fierce free-agent acquisition known for his aggressive style and knockout power. This matchup is a critical opportunity for both fighters to solidify their standings in the featherweight rankings.
Additional notable fights include the welterweight battle between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates, and middleweights Jared Cannonier facing off against Michael Page, both promising exciting action for fight fans. With a full card of 14 bouts, UFC 319 offers a night packed with intense matchups and potential title implications. Fans can expect fireworks inside the Octagon in what could be one of the most memorable UFC events of 2025.
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
- HayJive – Khamzat Chimaev
“I really want to take DDP here but I can’t say it with much confidence. Khamzat is a generational talent and DDP has not faced many grapplers in his UFC career. I’ll take Khamzat here.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Dricus Du Plessis
“If DDP survives round 1, he’s going to make this super interesting. At these odds I’ll bite on DDP +200.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Khamzat Chimaev
“I hate this fight when it comes to choosing who wins. My heart tells me DDP and my mind tells me Khamzat. Regardless, it is a close fight, however you put it. I believe Chimaev wins if he gets DDP in a bad position, and we know DDP has the ability to find himself in bad positions, though those mistakes are deadly against Chimaev.”
- Corrie – Dricus Du Plessis
“DDP dog shot – Nothing he does ever looks like it should work, but somehow it ALWAYS WORKS. Khamzat’s a monster, but DDP’s chaos, pressure, and weird ability to turn every fight in his favor makes him a live underdog here.”
- The Fight Analyst – Khamzat Chimaev
“I’d be doing a disservice not taking Chimaev in this spot, seeing as I have bet him in one way in every single one of his fights. While everyone is on the notion that he’s got 1 round to do it, I believe his cardio is better than what people may think. Chimaev has had a ton of health issues in the past and is finally healthy. In this fight, I fully expect Chimaev to finish Du Plessis on the mat inside three rounds to claim his long-awaited UFC title.”
Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy
- HayJive – Aaron Pico
“This is a wildcard of a fight. Pico hasn’t face any competition near the level of Murphy. However stylistically I think it’s a tough matchup for Lerone as Pico has big power and great wrestling which seems to be where Murphy can struggle. I’ll take Pico.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Aaron Pico
“Murphy has squeaked by some guys in the UFC, and Pico is experienced, powerful, and can wrestle for days. I’ll take a shot on the newcomer.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Lerone Murphy
“While Pico is dangerous, he hasn’t done enough to convince me personally to lay down money on a UFC newcomer against Murphy, who hasn’t always been perfect, though has done enough to win all the UFC fights he’s been in, but one, which he drew.”
- Corrie – Lerone Murphy
“Murphy’s proven at this level, has the experience, and we’ve seen too many Bellator guys struggle making the UFC jump and while Pico’s talented, but debuting against someone this seasoned is a tough… That said, I wouldn’t say I’m fading Pico… I’m fading the Bellator success rate in the UFC.”
- The Fight Analyst – Aaron Pico
“This is a fight I’ve been flip-flopping all week. We say this about Pico every time that he’s got the skills to be a world champion; it’s just that he hasn’t put it all together yet. While Murphy is his biggest test to date, he isn’t the most dangerous fighter (6 of his 8 UFC wins are by decision). Pico has the speed, power, and wrestling advantages in this fight. As long as he doesn’t get caught staring at distance, getting jabbed to death, he’s got a real chance of turning the tables for Bellator debutants.”
Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal
- HayJive – Carlos Prates
“Prates will have to step on the gas a bit earlier than he’s used to. I expect Neal to have success in this matchup but I see Prates getting his reads and landing some devastating shots to take over and get the win.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Carlos Prates
“A perfect bounce back spot with a guy who will invite the striking. Prates can get back to fighting his game and landing big shots in this one.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Carlos Prates
“Speed and power are on the Prates side. While Neal is dangerous and could have moments, I think Prates has the patience and skill to find the shots, when and where he wants them.”
- Corrie – Carlos Prates
“It’s Prates season babyyyyy! They were supposed to fight months ago nut Geoff had an injury so 1, concerned about his health but 2, Prates has some unreal power in his hands and I think dropping that loss to Ian Garry forced him to, get it together, for lack of better term, and I do feel like that chip on his shoulder pushed him to tighten up and show out here against Neal.”
- The Fight Analyst – Geoff Neal
“I think everyone is quick to write off Geoff Neal because of his recent stretch against some of the best in the division. Neal is as tough as they come and is going to put hands on Prates early and often. We are quick to forget that Prates is not unbreakable; he’s been finished in 5 of his 7 losses. It’s going to come down to who lands first and who hits harder, and I’d roll the dice on the underdog in a very volatile fight that should end within the first 2 rounds.”
Michael “Venom” Page vs. Jared Cannonier
- HayJive – Jared Cannonier
“MVP will win 99% of kickboxing battles in the UFC but if Jared can implement a strong clinch and get a few takedowns I think he can steal this. Give me Jared as the underdog.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – MVP
“MVP is too fast, hard to hit, and cardio hold strong. That’s a terrible matchup for Jared, and I believe MVP can cruise here.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – MVP
“Cannonier is a veteran, and a great one. He’s powerful and honestly underrated, though he has been getting hit and tagged a lot recently, win or lose. We saw against Robocop he recovered, though the speed and dynamic abilities from MVP may be a bit too much in this scenario.”
- Corrie – MVP
“MVP is so fast and such a tricky fighter, and hard to hit, plus HE’S ENGAGEDDD so MOTIVATEDDDD. That said, Cannonier’s tough and only loses to elite guys and coming off of a great win over Robocop so this is, in all honesty, a tough fight to call but I think MVP’s speed and awkward style steal this one.”
- The Fight Analyst – MVP
“There is a real concern that Cannonier goes out there and puts on a wrestling clinic, but at age 41, I am not so sure he can do that at this stage of his career. He hasn’t had more than 1 takedown since his fight against Marvin Vettori in 2023. MVP will have the advantage in space, and the fact that they are in a 30-foot octagon works in his favor even more. I expect Cannonier to have trouble closing the distance without getting tagged as MVP just outpoints Cannonier to a wide decision.”
Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura
- HayJive – Kai Asakura
“Elliott has a way of making fights have zero flow, but Asakura does as well. If Elliott can’t establish strong top control with his wrestling I think he’ll struggle in the striking where Asakura can land big shots. Give me Asakura.”
- Nolan (TheParlay) – Kai Asakura
“Forget the bad grappling talk with Kai. Tim Elliott is NOT Pantoja. I’m not sure Tim can hold Kai down or take the power shots coming his way.”
- JJ (TheOctagonKings) – Kai Asakura
“Asakura is an aggressive and dynamic striker, who had a tough opponent for his debut. While he can be controlled, I feel the speed and skill advantage over Elliot will be a bit much.”
- Corrie – Kai Asakura
“I’m rolling with Kai Asakura here: he’s younger, fresher, and way more accurate with his shots and while I do recognize that Tim’s a crafty vet, but I’m a Kai believer and think his speed and sharp striking get it done.”
- The Fight Analyst – Kai Asakura
“This is the real UFC debut for Kai Asakura. Throwing this man against the flyweight GOAT like that was absolutely absurd, but now he gets a real opponent he can showcase his abilities against. While Elliott has some grappling chops, he’s not the best at holding positions like Pantoja was able to do. When it comes to the striking, Asakura is fast, precise, and has the stopping power to put Elliott away. Asakura makes a statement and shows who he really is in this fight and gets his first UFC victory.”
Photo | MMA Mania
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