Get ready, fight fans! UFC 319 is just around the corner, promising an electrifying night of mixed martial arts action. Set to take place on August 16, 2025, at the iconic United Center in Chicago, Illinois, this event features a stacked card headlined by a highly anticipated Middleweight Championship bout.
If you’re looking to add an extra layer of excitement to watching these incredible athletes, placing a bet can certainly do the trick. But for beginners, understanding where to start and how to make smart picks can feel a bit overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in!
We’ll break down the key fights, offering our betting picks and predictions in easy-to-understand language. We’ll also give you the tools to analyze fights yourself and place your bets wisely. Our goal is to help you navigate the world of UFC betting for UFC 319, so you can enjoy the event even more.
Remember to Bet Responsibly: While betting can be thrilling, it’s crucial to only wager what you can afford to lose. Set a budget and stick to it, ensuring the fun stays in the fight.
UFC 319 Main Event Analysis: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev (Middleweight Title)
The main event of UFC 319 features a thrilling Middleweight Championship clash that pits two undefeated forces in the UFC against each other.
A. Fighter Profiles
Dricus Du Plessis (Champion)
- Record: 23-2 (UFC: 7-0)
- Recent Performances: Du Plessis has been on an incredible run, defying expectations. He captured the middleweight title by defeating Sean Strickland, and has also secured wins over former champions Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.
- Fighting Style: “Stillknocks” is known for his aggressive, high-pressure style. He possesses powerful striking, a relentless pace, and a surprising ability to absorb punishment. His grappling has also shown significant improvements, making him a well-rounded threat.
- Strengths: Unwavering pressure, knockout power, strong chin, improving wrestling and submissions, incredible grit.
- Weaknesses: Can be a bit wild and leaves himself open to counter-strikes; sometimes appears to gas in later rounds (though he always pushes through).
- Current Odds: Around +140 to +163 (underdog)
Khamzat Chimaev (Challenger)
- Record: 14-0 (UFC: 8-0)
- Recent Performances: Chimaev has been a dominant force since entering the UFC, finishing most of his opponents. He earned this title shot by submitting Robert Whittaker and also holds a notable win over former Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
- Fighting Style: “Borz” is a truly elite mixed martial artist, renowned for his suffocating wrestling and powerful ground and pound. He also possesses dangerous striking, often overwhelming opponents early.
- Strengths: World-class wrestling, powerful striking, strong submissions, incredible physical strength, high finishing rate.
- Weaknesses: Has faced questions about his cardio in longer fights, and has been less active due to various issues. His striking defense can sometimes be exploited by elite strikers.
- Current Odds: Around -180 to -225 (favourite)
B. Stylistic Matchup Breakdown
This fight is a classic clash of styles and wills. Du Plessis’s relentless forward pressure and willingness to brawl will meet Chimaev’s suffocating wrestling and explosive power.
- Who Dictates the Pace? The key question is who can impose their game plan. If Chimaev gets Du Plessis to the ground early, it could be a long night for the champion. However, Du Plessis has shown surprising takedown defense and recovery, and his ability to push a high pace could test Chimaev’s cardio, especially in a five-round championship fight.
- Striking Exchanges: Both men have power. Du Plessis throws heavy shots in volume, while Chimaev’s strikes are often set up to close distance for takedowns. If the fight stays standing, Du Plessis might have the edge in volume, but Chimaev carries one-shot knockout power.
- Grappling Battle: Chimaev is the superior pure wrestler. Du Plessis has shown resilience and improved jiu-jitsu, but can he defend Chimaev’s relentless takedown attempts for 25 minutes?
C. Betting Pick & Prediction
This is a tough one, as both fighters are incredibly dangerous. Chimaev’s wrestling is truly elite, and if he can consistently get Du Plessis down, he could dominate. However, Du Plessis’s championship experience, relentless pressure, and proven cardio in five-round wars cannot be underestimated.
- Moneyline Pick: While Chimaev is the favourite, Du Plessis as the underdog offers intriguing value. His ability to push the pace and his durability could wear on Chimaev in the later rounds. We lean towards Dricus Du Plessis Moneyline (+140 to +163) for the upset potential and value.
- Method of Victory (Potential Value): If Du Plessis wins, a Decision is a strong possibility if he can survive Chimaev’s early onslaught and outwork him in the later rounds. For Chimaev, a KO/TKO or Submission in the early rounds is most likely.
- Total Rounds (Over/Under): Given the finishing power of both, and Chimaev’s historical early finishes, the Under 2.5 Rounds might be tempting. However, Du Plessis’s durability suggests it could go longer. We’d lean towards the Over 2.5 Rounds if the odds are favourable, anticipating a grueling championship fight.
Justification: Du Plessis has consistently proven doubters wrong, and his ability to push a grueling pace in championship rounds could be the deciding factor against Chimaev, whose cardio at middleweight over five rounds is still somewhat untested against a relentless opponent.
Post event result update:
At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev made history, cementing his dominance by claiming the Middleweight Championship. The fight, held on August 16, 2025, against Dricus Du Plessis, showcased Chimaev’s relentless grappling prowess and unstoppable pace. From the first round, Chimaev dictated the tempo, taking Du Plessis down with ease and controlling the action on the ground. Despite Du Plessis’ brief attempts to counter with submissions, Chimaev’s precision in his takedowns and ground-and-pound overwhelmed him. The judges scored it 50-44 across the board, giving Chimaev a well-deserved, decisive victory. With this win, Chimaev stands as the new face of the middleweight division, undefeated and unstoppable.
Key Co-Main & Feature Fights Analysis
Beyond the main event, UFC 319 features several other exciting matchups offering great betting opportunities.
A. Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page (Middleweight)
- Fighter Profiles: Jared Cannonier is a powerful, experienced striker with legitimate knockout power and a strong chin. Michael “Venom” Page (MVP) is known for his incredibly unorthodox, flashy, and elusive striking style, making him a difficult puzzle to solve.
- Stylistic Matchup: This is almost certainly going to be a striking battle. Cannonier will look to apply pressure and land heavy shots, while MVP will rely on his unique angles, speed, and counter-striking to frustrate and pick apart Cannonier. Range control will be critical.
- Betting Pick & Prediction: MVP’s style is challenging for anyone, but Cannonier has faced and beaten elite strikers. However, MVP’s unpredictability and speed could cause problems.
- Current Odds: Cannonier +163, Page -225
- Pick: Michael Page Moneyline (-225). His unique style and ability to avoid damage often lead to decision wins or flashy knockouts against more traditional strikers.
- Potential Method of Victory: Michael Page by Decision offers good value, as he often frustrates opponents without necessarily finishing them early.
B. Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
- Fighter Profiles: Geoff Neal is a tough, durable, and fundamental striker with good boxing. Carlos Prates is a dangerous, aggressive striker with a high finishing rate and impressive power.
- Stylistic Matchup: Expect fireworks! Both are primarily strikers who like to stand and trade. Neal has a granite chin and heavy hands, while Prates brings explosive power and a willingness to engage. This could be a slugfest.
- Betting Pick & Prediction: This is a close fight, but Prates’s recent form and finishing ability are hard to ignore.
- Current Odds: (Odds not widely available at time of writing, but expect a close line)
- Pick: Carlos Prates Moneyline. He has the momentum and explosive power to potentially get a finish.
- Potential Method of Victory: Carlos Prates by KO/TKO could offer excellent value given his finishing prowess.
C. Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura (Flyweight)
- Fighter Profiles: Tim Elliott is a scrappy, unorthodox veteran known for his relentless pace, awkward striking, and strong grappling. Kai Asakura is a Rizin veteran with dangerous striking and a reputation for exciting fights.
- Stylistic Matchup: This is a classic grappler vs. striker dynamic. Elliott will likely try to get Asakura to the ground and wear him down with his wrestling and ground and pound. Asakura will want to keep the fight standing and utilize his striking advantage.
- Betting Pick & Prediction: Elliott’s style can be frustrating, but Asakura’s striking is high-level.
- Current Odds: Elliott +225, Asakura -333
- Pick: Kai Asakura Moneyline (-333). While Elliott is tough, Asakura’s striking precision and power should be enough to keep Elliott at bay or even finish him.
- Potential Method of Victory: Kai Asakura by Decision is a strong possibility if Elliott can survive the early striking, but Asakura’s finishing ability also makes KO/TKO a viable option.
Potential Underdog & Parlay Opportunities
Beyond the main picks, there’s always potential for value in underdogs and the excitement of parlays.
A. Identifying Value Underdogs
Look for fighters who have higher odds (+ money) but you believe have a legitimate path to victory that the public or bookmakers might be overlooking. This often comes down to stylistic matchups or recent improvements that haven’t fully been factored into the odds. For UFC 319, carefully analyze the preliminary card for any fighters with underdog odds who match up well against their opponents, especially if they have strong grappling against a pure striker, or vice-versa.
B. Building a Smart Parlay
A parlay (or accumulator) combines multiple bets into one, increasing the potential payout significantly. However, all selections must win for the parlay to pay out. For beginners, it’s best to keep parlays small (2-3 fights) and consider including strong favorites.
Example Parlay for UFC 319:
- Michael Page Moneyline (-225)
- Kai Asakura Moneyline (-333)
- Edson Barboza Moneyline (-150) (vs. Drakkar Klose)
Combining these three favourites would turn relatively low individual payouts into a more substantial return, but remember the risk: if even one fighter loses, the entire parlay is lost.
Betting Tips for UFC 319 (For Beginners)
To make your UFC 319 betting experience enjoyable and potentially profitable, keep these tips in mind:
- A. Shop for the Best Odds: Don’t just bet at the first sportsbook you see. Compare odds across several UK-licensed platforms (like bet365, William Hill, Paddy Power) to ensure you’re getting the best possible value for your chosen bet.
- B. Research is Key: Don’t bet on names alone. Dive into fighter styles, recent performances, and how they match up against their opponent. Websites like UFC Stats and Sherdog offer a wealth of information.
- C. Manage Your Bankroll: This is the most important rule. Only bet what you can comfortably afford to lose. Set a budget for UFC 319 and stick to it. Never chase losses.
- D. Consider Prop Bets for Value: While Moneyline bets are simple, method of victory and round betting can often offer higher payouts if you have a strong read on how the fight will unfold.
- E. Don’t Bet with Your Heart: It’s tough, especially when your favorite fighter is competing, but try to be objective. Bet with your head, not your heart, to make smarter decisions.
Conclusion: Enjoy UFC 319!
UFC 319 promises to be an unforgettable night of fights, featuring a thrilling main event and exciting matchups throughout the card. By understanding the basics of betting odds, analyzing the fighters, and following smart betting practices, you can enhance your viewing experience and potentially walk away with some winnings.
Summary of Picks: We’re leaning towards Dricus Du Plessis for the upset in the main event, and favouring Michael Page, Carlos Prates, and Kai Asakura in their respective bouts. Remember to always look for the best odds available.
Final Thoughts: Bet responsibly, do your homework, and most importantly, enjoy the incredible action that UFC 319 is sure to deliver! Tune in on August 16th and witness the spectacle!
