UFC 319 features a blockbuster middleweight title clash between Du Plessis and Chimaev, two undefeated-in-the-UFC forces, live from the United Centre in Chicago early Sunday morning South African time. Below, we break down the main event and two additional matchups on the Main Card from a betting angle.
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DRICUS DU PLESSIS vs KHAMZAT CHIMAEV
Middleweight Main Event – Title Fight:
Dricus Du Plessis, the reigning champion from South Africa, continues to prove himself as one of the most dangerous and durable middleweights in MMA. He boasts a professional record of 23 wins and just 2 losses, with 8 fights under the institution which he has been unbeaten in.
Du Plessis brings a well-rounded skill set, combining high level striking with dangerous submissions. He is also known for his cardio and toughness which makes his awkward style hard to face.
He heads into this weekends meeting coming off 3 consecutive title fights, beating Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland (twice). The last time he fought was in February where he beat Strickland by decision to hold onto the belt.
Khamzat Chimaev, representing the UAE by way of Sweden, has been nothing short of dominant in his career within the UFC, entering this bout with a perfect 14-0 record. Known for his talent in the field of wrestling, his constant pressure and suffocating top control, Chimaev is extremely effective in the opening round.
Although grappling is his core strength, he has also shown knockout power across a few of his bouts and has also won all 8 of his fights within the organisation.
His aggressive starts and ability to finish fights early make him a constant threat from the opening bell and his latest win came by submission just over 3 minutes into the first round against Robert Whittaker when they met in October.
BETTING – click here to bet
Du Plessis 2.85
Chimaev 1.45
PREDICTION:
This is a true clash of styles, with Du Plessis’ versatility facing Chimaev’s relentless grappling. While Du Plessis has proven he can survive deep into championship rounds, Chimaev’s pace and control could give him the edge early on. Despite that, I’m leaning towards Du Plessis to secure a decision victory due to Chimaev losing stamina across a gruelling five rounds.
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LERONE MURPHY vs AARON PICO
Featherweight Co-Main Event:
Lerone Murphy, the unbeaten English featherweight holds a record of 8 wins with 1 draw and he has been on a steady climb through the UFC ranks. He possesses crisp boxing, solid defensive movement, and smart fight IQ.
His last outing was a unanimous decision win over Josh Emmett in April 2025, capping off a streak that includes victories over Dan Ige and Edson Barboza. Murphy’s ability to manage distance and dictate pace makes him a difficult puzzle for any opponent and he heads into this weekend off 8 straight wins in a row.
Aaron Pico, making the jump from Bellator to the UFC, arrives with a 13-4 record and a reputation for getting the job done early due to his dominant striking and grappling ability.
Pico has strung together a strong run and has been unbeaten across his last 3 trips to the octagon. His finishing instincts make him a legitimate contender in the featherweight division and his last fight took place in February last year where he beat Henry Corrales by first round knockout in the PFL Champions vs Bellator Champions event.
BETTING – click here to bet
Murphy 2.45
Pico 1.57
PREDICTION:
Pico’s aggressive style could leave him open to counters from Murphy, especially if the fight stretches into later rounds. My pick is Murphy via 2nd round knockout.
GEOFF NEAL vs CARLOS PRATES
Welterweight Main Card Bout:
Geoff Neal, a seasoned UFC welterweight with a record of 8 wins and 4 losses in the UFC, is known for his clean boxing and knockout power. He has been in the cage with some of the division’s best and brings experience into this matchup.
His last action took place in October where he met with Rafael Dos Anjos and beat him in the first round by knockout at UFC 308.
Carlos Prates, hailing from Brazil, is a dynamic striker who thrives in chaotic exchanges. Despite his recent decision loss to Ian Garry when they met in April, he’s riding a wave of momentum due to winning his first 4 fights under the organisation via knockout, with each of his opponents falling before the 3rd round.
BETTING – click here to bet
Neal 3.00
Prates 1.40
PREDICTION:
While Neal has the experience and power to make this dangerous for Prates, the Brazilian’s speed and technicality could be overwhelming across three rounds. I see Prates taking a unanimous decision after a back-and-forth bout.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Du Plessis vs Chimaev
Du Plessis by decision at 5.50
Murphy vs Pico
Murphy by Ko at 8.50
Neal vs Prates
Prates by decision at 2.80
ALL 3 BETS TO LAND IS 130.90 and you can use this code if you want to have a flyer on it 39162619
THE WIN TREBLE (all 3 fighters selected to win in any fashion) is 9.37 – here is the code 39162654
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
