After a six-year hiatus, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make a triumphant return to Chicago with UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. The event, headlined by a highly anticipated Middleweight Championship bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, promises to deliver an unforgettable night of mixed martial arts action at the iconic United Center.
Event Details
UFC 319 will mark the promotion’s eighth visit to Chicago and its first since UFC 238 in June 2019. The main event features South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis defending his middleweight title against the undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. Both fighters are known for their dynamic styles and impressive records, setting the stage for a thrilling championship clash. The event is scheduled for August 16, 2025, at the United Center, with the main card starting at 10:00 PM ET, prelims at 8:00 PM ET, and early prelims at 6:00 PM ET, broadcast on ESPN+ PPV, ESPN, and ESPN+.
The current fight card includes:
| Fight | Division | Details |
| Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev | Middleweight | Title Fight |
| Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates | Welterweight | Rebooked from UFC 314 |
| Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page | Middleweight | Notable matchup |
| Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura | Flyweight | Exciting addition |
| King Green vs. Diego Ferreira | Lightweight | Veteran clash |
| Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose | Lightweight | Striking showcase |
| Jessica Andrade vs. Lupita Godinez | Women’s Strawweight | High-energy bout |
| Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev | Middleweight | Competitive fight |
| Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk | Middleweight | Veteran vs. rising star |
| Karine Silva vs. JJ Aldrich | Women’s Flyweight | Prelim bout |
| Alexander Hernandez vs. Chase Hooper | Lightweight | Prelim bout |
Note: The co-main event is listed as TBD as of July 20, 2025, causing some speculation among fans.
Ticket Prices and Availability
Tickets for UFC 319 are in high demand, reflecting the event’s significance as a pay-per-view championship card. According to various sources, regular tickets start at approximately $385 before fees (Vivid Seats) to $600 (StubHub), with prices escalating to $3,655 for premium seats. VIP packages, offering perks like premium seating, reserved entry to ceremonial weigh-ins, and in-venue hospitality with UFC athlete appearances, start at $1,350 for upper-level seating, $2,750 for lower-level seating, and $6,000 for floor seating with additional experiences like a post-fight Octagon visit.
However, the high ticket prices have sparked significant discussion among fans. On Reddit, users have expressed frustration, with one stating, “Wanted the UFC to come back to Chicago for so long but I can’t justify that price to sit in the heavens.” Another user noted that nosebleed seats were around $500 during presale, highlighting the financial barrier for some fans. Despite this, Chicago’s history of sold-out UFC events suggests that tickets will likely sell quickly, with sources like Basket-Mag urging fans to secure seats early.
Fans’ Reactions
The return of UFC to Chicago after six years has generated significant excitement, particularly due to the high-profile main event. Social media platforms like X show enthusiastic posts, such as the UFC’s official account stating, “BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE 👀,” and HappyPunch noting, “Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev official for UFC 319 on August 16th in Chicago 🔥.” These reflect the anticipation for a clash between du Plessis’s durability and Chimaev’s relentless style.
Reddit discussions further highlight fan sentiment. In a thread titled “Is 319 worth attending live?” on r/ufc, fans debated the value of the card given the ticket prices, with some calling the main event a “barn burner” and praising fights like Cannonier vs. Page and Barboza vs. Klose. However, others felt the card wasn’t among the UFC’s best, suggesting that for $500, they’d wait for a stronger lineup. The return to Chicago, a city with a passionate MMA fanbase, adds to the excitement, with one user noting, “Given that the last time they came to Chicago was 6 years ago it may just be worth it to go for the experience.”
Controversies
Several controversies have emerged around UFC 319. One significant issue involves Jared Cannonier, who is set to face Michael “Venom” Page in a middleweight bout. According to Cannonier’s coach, Joe Riggs, Cannonier was not enthusiastic about the matchup and was told by the UFC that he was on the “chopping block,” implying a risk of release if he didn’t accept the fight (MMA Mania). This has sparked discussions about fighter treatment and matchmaking, with some fans and analysts questioning the fairness of pressuring a top-ranked fighter like Cannonier to face an unranked opponent at middleweight.
Another point of contention is the unconfirmed co-main event. As of July 20, 2025, the UFC has listed the co-main as TBD, leading to fan frustration, especially given the high ticket prices. A rumored (Via: @dricusduplessis / AhmedAmwell YouTube) Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje fight was debunked.
The UFC have officially announced UFC 319 on August 16 in Chicago headlined by a middleweight title bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev.
Michael “Venom” Page vs. Jared Cannonier was also announced as a feature bout. Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev official for UFC 319 on August 16th in Chicago 🔥
(via @danawhite) https://t.co/wSroBLmxbW
Michael Page vs Jared Cannonier For #UFC319 August 16th in Chicago is IN THE WORKS
Dricus Du Plessis will defend his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at #UFC319 in Chicago on Aug. 16, Dana White announced.
BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE 👀
@DricusDuPlessis vs @KChimaev headlines #UFC319 in Chicago!
