UFC 319 Features Middleweight Title, Featherweight Elimination Chicago

UFC 319, scheduled for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, will feature a highly anticipated middleweight title fight between champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. The co-main event has been confirmed as a featherweight bout between UFC newcomer Aaron Pico and undefeated contender Lerone Murphy, replacing the originally scheduled fight between Pico and Movsar Evloev, who withdrew due to injury. Pico, a former Bellator standout and Olympic-level wrestler, makes his UFC debut in this pivotal matchup, while Murphy, coming off a unanimous decision win over Josh Emmett, seeks to solidify his position as a top contender. Commentators and analysts view this fight as a significant opportunity for Pico to quickly ascend the featherweight ranks and contend for a title shot. Despite initial fan expectations for a more star-studded co-main event, the Murphy vs. Pico fight carries substantial future implications for both fighters. UFC 319 marks UFC’s return to Chicago since 2019 and will be broadcast on ESPN platforms and pay-per-view.