Dricus Du Plessis Leaks Potential UFC 319 Co-Main Gaethje, Pimblett

UFC 319, scheduled for August 16 in Chicago, is headlined by middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis defending his title against Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis appeared to leak the co-main event as a lightweight title eliminator featuring a fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, potentially setting up the next challenger for newly crowned lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. This announcement is notable given recent comments from UFC President Dana White indicating that neither Pimblett nor Gaethje would be the immediate next title challenger, and Gaethje's manager suggesting retirement if he doesn't get a title shot soon. The fight between Pimblett and Gaethje could clarify the lightweight contender picture, especially as Arman Tsarukyan has reportedly been sidelined by the UFC. The card also includes other high-profile fights, such as the return of Michael 'Venom' Page and bouts featuring Kai Asakura and Jared Cannonier. The UFC 319 lineup remains incomplete but is shaping up to be a significant event with potentially eleven fights.