Aug 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, UNITED STATES; Dricus Du Plessis during weigh ins for UFC 319 at Radius
Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
UFC 319 lands at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, August 16, 2025, as Dricus Du Plessis defends his middleweight title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in one of the most anticipated fights of the year. Whether you’re attending live or watching from home, here’s everything Chicago fight fans need to know.
Main Event at the Madhouse: UFC Returns to United Center
Saturday’s card marks the UFC’s return to the United Center for the first time since UFC 238 in June 2019. Chicago has a rich UFC history, having hosted seven prior main events, including championship bouts and all-action classics, making this an especially meaningful night for Midwest MMA.
UFC 319: Full Card and Central Time Schedule
Main Card (ESPN+ PPV – 9:00 PM CT)
Middleweight Title: Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Featherweight: Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico
Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
Middleweight: Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “Venom” Page
Flyweight: Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura
Prelims (ESPN/ESPN+/Disney+ – 7:00 PM CT)
Middleweight: Baysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan
Middleweight: Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
Women’s Strawweight: Jéssica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez
Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez
Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
Early Prelims (ESPN+/UFC Fight Pass/Disney+ – 5:00 PM CT)
Women’s Flyweight: Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa
Flyweight Title: Alibi Idiris vs. Joseph Morales
All times Central. Main event expected to begin around 11:30 PM CT.
How to Watch UFC 319 in Chicago
Main Card: Available exclusively on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View. You’ll need an ESPN+ subscription ($11.99/month) and will have to purchase the UFC 319 PPV ($79.99 for existing subscribers).
Prelims: Air live on ESPN, ESPN+, Disney+ at 7:00 PM CT.
Early Prelims: Stream on ESPN+, Disney+, and UFC Fight Pass starting at 5:00 PM CT.
In-Person: Limited tickets remain via United Center box office and authorized sellers.
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Pro Tip: ESPN+ is required for both the prelims and to buy the main card. Streaming on Disney+ also available for prelim coverage.
United Center’s UFC Legacy
Chicago’s United Center has played host to some of the most iconic events in modern UFC history:
UFC 238 (2019): Henry Cejudo’s title win, Valentina Shevchenko’s legendary head-kick KO.
UFC 225 (2018): Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero II—an all-time middleweight war.
Other Classics: The city has welcomed stars like Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, Tony Ferguson, and a string of top championship fights, further cementing Chicago as a go-to market for UFC’s biggest shows.
Local UFC History: Windy City Highlights
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need ESPN+ to watch the main event?
Yes, UFC 319’s main card is only on ESPN+ PPV. A base ESPN+ subscription is required even if you purchase the PPV.
Can I watch in person?
Yes, tickets are available via the United Center and authorized resellers, but they are going fast.
Where can I catch highlights if I miss the show?
Full replays and highlights are posted on ESPN+, the UFC app, and UFC’s social channels after the fights.
Final Word
Chicago fight fans have waited six years for UFC’s return, and UFC 319 brings a true blockbuster card. Whether you’re streaming at home or witnessing history at United Center, you don’t want to miss Du Plessis vs. Chimaev and the stacked card top to bottom. For real-time updates and post-fight analysis, stick with On Tap Sports Net.
Follow @OnTapSportsNet on social media for all things Chicago all the time!