Get expert picks, predictions, and betting insights for UFC 319 and the 2025 PFL World Championships. Du Plessis vs. Chimaev headlines a stacked MMA weekend alongside title fights in multiple divisions.
UFC 319 & PFL Championships: Predictions, Expert Picks, and Betting Insights
MMA fans are in for a thrilling weekend as UFC 319 and the PFL World Championships take center stage. From the middleweight title clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev to multiple PFL championship bouts, fight lovers will have plenty to cheer for.
UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev—The Middleweight Collision
The UFC returns to Chicago for its final pay-per-view of the summer. The main event features South African middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis making his third title defense against Khamzat Chimaev, ESPN’s No. 2-ranked middleweight.
Both fighters are undefeated inside the Octagon:
- Du Plessis: 9-0 UFC record, 6 finishes
- Chimaev: 8-0 UFC record, 6 finishes
This matchup is more than just a battle of records—it’s a stylistic clash between Du Plessis’ relentless pressure and Chimaev’s explosive wrestling and ground control.
Tale of the Tape – Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
| Fighter | Record | Height | Reach | Stoppages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dricus Du Plessis | 21-2 | 6’1″ | 76″ | 18 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | 14-0 | 6’2″ | 75″ | 12 |
Co-Main Event: Aaron Pico’s UFC Debut
In the co-main event, former Bellator star Aaron Pico makes his much-anticipated UFC debut against Lerone Murphy, one of the most consistent featherweights in the division. Murphy enters the fight on an eight-fight winning streak, the longest among active 145-pound fighters.
This fight could serve as a title eliminator, with the winner potentially earning a shot at Alexander Volkanovski.
Other UFC 319 Fights to Watch
Beyond the top two fights, UFC 319 features several high-stakes matchups:
- Welterweight showcase: A top-10 clash that could reshape title contention.
- Rising prospects: Young fighters looking to break into the rankings.
- Women’s strawweight battle: A possible title eliminator in the works.
PFL World Championships 2025 – Week 2
On Friday, the spotlight shifts to Charlotte, North Carolina, for the second week of the 2025 PFL World Championships. Three titles will be decided in the lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight divisions.
PFL Women’s Flyweight Championship – Liz Carmouche vs. Jena Bishop
Former Bellator champion Liz Carmouche aims to add another belt to her career accolades against submission specialist Jena Bishop. Carmouche’s experience could be the deciding factor, but Bishop’s grappling threat is real.
PFL Lightweight Championship – Alfie Davis vs. Gadzhi Rabadanov
Defending champion Gadzhi Rabadanov takes on power puncher Alfie Davis in what promises to be a striking-heavy showdown. Rabadanov’s championship experience may give him the edge, but Davis’ knockout power could end things suddenly.
PFL Bantamweight Championship – Marcirley Alves vs. Justin Wetzell
Two first-season PFL contenders meet for bantamweight gold. Marcirley Alves brings speed and agility, while Justin Wetzell relies on a high-pressure wrestling attack.
Expert Picks and Predictions
UFC 319 Main Event – Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
- Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via submission (Round 3)
- Why: Chimaev’s wrestling could neutralize Du Plessis’ pressure game, forcing a ground battle where he excels.
UFC 319 Co-Main – Pico vs. Murphy
- Prediction: Lerone Murphy via unanimous decision
- Why: Murphy’s striking range and defensive wrestling might frustrate Pico’s offense.
PFL Women’s Flyweight – Carmouche vs. Bishop
- Prediction: Liz Carmouche via split decision
- Why: Experience in five-round fights and cage control could tip the balance.
PFL Lightweight – Davis vs. Rabadanov
- Prediction: Rabadanov via TKO (Round 4)
- Why: Championship composure and endurance give Rabadanov the edge in later rounds.
PFL Bantamweight – Alves vs. Wetzell
- Prediction: Wetzell via unanimous decision
- Why: Superior wrestling control and pace.
Best Bets for UFC 319 and PFL Championships
| Fight | Bet Type | Odds | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Du Plessis vs. Chimaev | Chimaev by Submission | +250 | Wrestling dominance likely |
| Pico vs. Murphy | Murphy by Decision | +180 | Distance management |
| Carmouche vs. Bishop | Over 4.5 Rounds | -120 | Technical, strategic fight |
| Davis vs. Rabadanov | Rabadanov by TKO | +300 | Striking pressure late |
| Alves vs. Wetzell | Wetzell ML | -150 | Wrestling edge |
Broadcast Information
- UFC 319:
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Main Card: 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+ PPV)
- Prelims: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
- PFL World Championships (Week 2):
- Date: Friday, August 15, 2025
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Main Card: 9 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Prelims: 6 p.m. ET (ESPN+)
FAQs
1. Who is fighting in the UFC 319 main event?
Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis defends his title against Khamzat Chimaev.
2. Where is UFC 319 being held?
The event takes place in Chicago, Illinois.
3. What titles are on the line at the PFL World Championships?
Lightweight, bantamweight, and women’s flyweight championships will be decided.
4. Is Aaron Pico making his UFC debut at UFC 319?
Yes, against Lerone Murphy in the co-main event.
5. How can I watch UFC 319?
The main card is available on ESPN+ PPV, with prelims on ESPN+.