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Tag: UFC 319

  • UFC 319: Exciting Welterweight Showdown Reportedly In Works

    UFC 319: Exciting Welterweight Showdown Reportedly In Works

    The UFC 319 card could be in for a welterweight barnburner, as the promotion is reportedly working to revive a previously scrapped showdown that had fans buzzing.

    UFC 319 is scheduled to light up the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 16. The ninth pay-per-view event of 2025 will be headlined by reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who puts his title on the line against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev.

    The MMA promotion has already announced several matchups for the event, including a middleweight showdown between Jared Cannonier and Michael “Venom” Page, along with a lightweight clash featuring seasoned veterans Bobby “King” Green and Diego Ferreira.

    UFC 319 poster

    Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates Targeted For Rebooking At UFC 319

    According to a recent report from MMA journalist Laerte Viana, the UFC is working to rebook a welterweight showdown between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates for the upcoming UFC 319 event.

    The matchup was originally scheduled to take place at UFC 314 this past April, but plans were derailed when Neal was forced to withdraw due to injury, leading to the bout’s cancellation. As a result, Prates was rescheduled to headline UFC Kansas City just two weeks later, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Ian Machado Garry.

    “Handz of Steel” last stepped into the Octagon at UFC 308 in October 2024, where he scored a first-round knockout over former champion Rafael dos Anjos. The emphatic finish snapped a two-fight skid against Garry and Shavkat Rakhmonov.

    Neal, who once rode a five-fight UFC win streak, has struggled to maintain that form, going 3-4 in his last seven Octagon appearances. The 34-year-old holds a 16-6 pro record, with 10 wins by knockout.

    Meanwhile, Prates tasted defeat for the first time in his UFC career in his most recent outing. “The Nightmare” had entered the bout riding a wave of momentum, having scored four consecutive knockout victories over notable names like Neil Magny and Li Jingliang. The 31-year-old Brazilian now holds a career record of 21-7, with 19 of those wins coming by way of finish.

  • UFC 319 Adds Key Undercard Bouts Ahead Of Promotion’s Chicago Return

    UFC 319 Adds Key Undercard Bouts Ahead Of Promotion’s Chicago Return

    UFC 319 just leveled up as fresh matchups join an already stacked lineup.

    The world’s premier MMA organization is gearing up for its return to the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Aug. 16. Marking the ninth pay-per-view event of 2025, the card will be headlined by reigning UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who defends his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a highly anticipated clash.

    Image: @ufc/X

    The UFC has already confirmed a thrilling co-main event featuring former 185-pound title challenger Jared Cannonier squaring off against striking specialist Michael “Venom” Page. Further building anticipation, the promotion recently announced a fresh slate of undercard matchups.

    King Green, Edson Barboza Among Notable Names Set To Compete At UFC 319

    King Green will aim to return to the win column at UFC 319 when he takes on fellow lightweight veteran Diego Ferreira. Green has endured an up-and-down stretch recently, going 3-3 over his past six appearances inside the Octagon. Ferreira, too, is looking to rebound, entering the bout off a loss and holding a 2-4 record in his last six fights.

    The card will also feature the return of Edson Barboza to the lightweight division after an extended stint at featherweight. “Junior” has endured a grueling run in recent years, posting a 5-8 record over his last 13 bouts. He now meets Drakkar Klose, who is looking to bounce back after a setback in his most recent outing halted what had been a promising four-fight win streak.

    The UFC 319 lineup will also feature an exciting welterweight clash between rising contenders Bryan Battle and Nursulton Ruziboev. “The Butcher” enters the bout riding a five-fight unbeaten streak, having most recently earned a unanimous decision win over Randy Brown in December. Meanwhile, Ruziboev carries solid momentum of his own, coming off consecutive victories as he looks to continue climbing the ranks.

    Additionally, the August card is set to showcase a women’s flyweight showdown between Karine Silva and JJ Aldrich. Also on tap is a strawweight bout, as former champion Jessica Andrade squares off against rising contender Loopy Godinez.

    Check out the officially confirmed lineup for UFC 319 so far:

    • Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev; middleweight title
    • Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page; middleweight
    • Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura; flyweight
    • King Green vs. Diego Ferreira; lightweight
    • Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose; lightweight
    • Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev; welterweight
    • Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez; lightweight
    • Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk; middleweight
    • Karine Silva vs. JJ Aldrich; women’s flyweight
    • Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez; strawweight
    UFC Octagon
    Image: UFC/Zuffa LLC
  • Breaking: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Set for UFC 319 Middleweight Title Showdown in Chicago

    Breaking: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Set for UFC 319 Middleweight Title Showdown in Chicago

    UFC President Dana White announced live on Instagram that Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The event is scheduled for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago.

    Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev

    South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning champion, has maintained an undefeated record in the UFC and recently defended his title against top contenders, including Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. Chimaev, also undefeated in his professional career, has quickly risen through the ranks with victories over former champions and is regarded as a formidable challenger.

    Du Plessis began training in judo at age five, wrestling at 12, and kickboxing at 14. He is known for his well-rounded skill set, holding a second-degree black belt in kickboxing and a background in judo and wrestling. Du Plessis has a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 2 losses, with 9 victories by knockout and 11 by submission. He made his UFC debut in 2020.

    Khamzat Chimaev is undefeated as a professional, with a 14-0 record, including 6 knockouts and 6 submissions. He began wrestling as a child, won Swedish national championships in freestyle wrestling, and transitioned to MMA in 2018. Chimaev quickly rose to prominence in the UFC with dominant performances, including a record-setting run of three wins in 66 days.

    UFC 319

    This middleweight title fight will headline UFC 319, marking one of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Both fighters bring significant win streaks and contrasting styles, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in Chicago.