• What: UFC 319
  • Who: Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev for the UFC middleweight title; Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico, featherweights
  • Where: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
  • When: Saturday, August 16, 10 p.m. EDT
  • Watch: ESPN+

Heading into UFC 319, Dricus Du Plessis is the UFC middleweight champion. However, as he squares off with Khamzat Chimaev to defend his title in the main event on this card, he's not the favorite to leave the octagon with his belt.

It's Chimaev, his unbeaten Russian challenger, who oddsmakers are setting as the -220 favorite in the UFC betting lines. You'll get +180 underdog odds if you opt to back the champion in this betting market.

Let's look at the latest betting lines. Odds are subject to change.

UFC 319 OddsThe PickBovadaBetOnlineBetUS
Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat ChimaevDu Plessis+220+185+182
Lerone Murphy vs Aaron PicoPico-168-175-175

Chimaev is 7-0 since moving to the UFC. He is the UFC's No. 3-ranked middleweight contender. Du Plessis is 9-0 since joining the UFC.

In this article, OSB will be going over each fighter, offering a predicted winner in both matchups, and also providing some additional notes and information regarding UFC 319 picks and UFC betting.

UFC 319 Overview: Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev

Fighter Spotlight: Dricus Du Plessis

The first South African to win a UFC world title belt, Du Plessis (23-2) is rated No. 4 in UFC pound-for-pound rankings. He's successfully defended his title twice since first winning the belt in January 2024 at UFC 279.

His resume of victories reads like a who's-who of the middleweight division. He's beaten Sean Strickland (twice), Israel Adesanya, Derek Brunson, Robert Whittaker, and Darren Till.

Fighter Spotlight: Khamzat Chimaev

Originally born in Chechnya, Chimaev (14-0) is situated at 14th overall in the UFC pound-for-pound rankings. However, injuries, illness, and inability to make weight have all played a role in slowing his climb up the ladder to get his title shot.

Six of his wins have come via knockout. He has recorded wins over Whittaker, Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Kamaru Usman.

Prediction: People love to count out the South African champion, and it's not difficult to decipher why that is so. Watching Du Plessis fight sometimes feels like watching Napoleon Dynamite play tetherball. It's unorthodox, at times seemingly unathletic, and even on occasion, uncoordinated. And yet, no one can question that it works. His outcomes are like Napoleon Dynamite dancing - effective, impressive, and startling in its success.

Dricus Du Plessis To win at UFC 319
Bovada
+220
Bet Now!

While it is true Chimaev has yet to taste defeat in the octagon, it's also wise to keep in mind that he's also never been asked before to go the full five rounds inside the cage. Even in his three-round fights, Chimaev has shown signs of fatigue as these bouts neared an end. Look for that quirky fighting style of Du Plessis to keep his Russian opponent off-balance. Then Du Plessis will decide the fight in his favor in the so-called championship rounds, four and five.

UFC 319 Overview: Aaron Pico vs Lerone Murphy

Fighter Spotlight: Aaron Pico

Signed from Bellator, Pico (13-4) is in the prime of his career at the age of 28 as he makes his UFC debut in this bout. His background is in wrestling. The American was selected as an Olympic alternate in 2016. Pico won the under-17 world championship in 2013.

He's 9-1 over his last 10 fights. Only two of those bouts have gone the distance.

Fighter Spotlight: Lerone Murphy

Murphy, 34, is the sixth-ranked contender in the UFC featherweight division. He's 16-0-1 in his career, and 8-0-1 since joining the UFC. Riding an eight-fight win streak, Murphy is still in search of his first title shot. He's one of just seven ranked UFC contenders who've yet to taste defeat.

In his most recent fight, the Englishman defeated former interim UFC Featherweight Championship challenger Josh Emmett by unanimous decision. Emmett is the No. 8 contender in the UFC featherweight division. Murphy also has a win over Dave Ige, 14th overall in UFC featherweight rankings.

Prediction: The old saying is that styles make fights, and this bout is the definitive version of contrasting styles. Pico is an expert grappler who looks to ground and pound. Murphy is the classic striker. He wants to remain upright and punish his opponent with punches and kicks.

Aaron Pico To defeat Lerone Murphy at UFC 319
Bovada
-168
Bet Now!

Pico is well-rested. He hasn't fought since February 2024. He's also recorded first-round knockouts in each of his last two fights. This bout is a featherweight title eliminator. Take Pico to win and fast-track his way to a title shot.

Boost Your UFC Picks

Before getting your wagers down on UFC 319, don't forget to check out the best UFC betting odds to ensure you are getting the best bets available. You can also use sportsbooks reviews 2025 to find a betting site to service your needs in UFC betting picks. And if you're new to the world of online sports betting, don't fret about being in over your head. There are plenty of how-to tips that you can peruse in our handy sports betting guide.