Chicago’s UFC return is headlined by a pair of rising stars and a main card that’s drawing attention for its mix of top-tier title talk and debut pressure.
UFC 319 in Chicago features a high-stakes main event between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, a pairing fans and UFC president Dana White have called potentially the “fight of the year.” The two undefeated streaks atop the card—25 consecutive wins between them and an all-UFC perfection—have fueled the hype as the event marks the first return to Chicago since 2019.
In the co-main, Aaron Pico steps into the Octagon on short notice to face top featherweight contender Lerone Murphy. Pico’s UFC debut comes after a late change of plans for a booking against Movsar Evloev at UFC Abu Dhabi. The 28-year-old former Bellator standout-owned a 12-4 record there and, despite a mixed start to his career with stoppage losses, has rebuilt momentum, winning nine of his last ten fights, seven by finish.
Pico’s arrival on a pay-per-view stage has been met with a mixed reception from some fans during the pre-fight buildup, but the athletic package is undeniable. White has been vocal in his support, saying Pico “is coming in with a bang” and acknowledging the attention surrounding a debut against a formidable opponent who also carries an undefeated streak on the card.
Murphy, ranked No. 6 in the UFC featherweight division, represents a significant test and a potential springboard for a title run should he beat Pico. The winner of Pico-Murphy would likely stay in the title conversation, especially with Alexander Volkanovski not currently booked for a specific date.
The weekend also serves as a reminder of the ongoing cross-pollination between Bellator and the UFC. Two Bellator champions who moved to the UFC—Patricio Pitbull and Patchy Mix—made their debuts with mixed results earlier this year. Pitbull’s debut ended in a decision defeat to Yair Rodríguez at UFC 314, while Mix dropped a decision to Mario Bautista at UFC 316. Pitbull did rebound with his first UFC win at 38 when he defeated Dan Ige at UFC 318, and Mix is slated to chase redemption against Jakub Wiklacz at UFC 320 on October 4.
What to watch for
– Pico’s adaptability: How he handles the size and speed of a ranked featherweight on short notice could define the trajectory of his UFC career.
– Du Plessis vs. Chimaev: The hype is real, so expect aggressive offense and precision striking from both as they seek to cement their status as elite fighters.
– The Bellator-to-UFC pipeline: Pico’s debut and the veteran transitions by Pitbull and Mix underscore how talent from one major promotion continues to shape the sport in real time.
Summary and outlook
UFC 319 promises a night of high-stakes bouts and potential breakout performances. Pico’s UFC bow, in particular, stands out as a defining moment that could accelerate his rise, or test him early against one of the division’s best. If Pico can translate his boxing and wrestling background into a crisp UFC performance, Chicago could witness the birth of a new star on a card already buzzing with potential title implications.
Positive note
The card’s blend of seasoned champions and fresh entrants offers fans a compelling mix of proven elite competition and compelling underdog stories, reinforcing the UFC’s ability to continually reinvent its lineup while chasing historic moments.