Five reasons to watch UFC 319, with Carlos Prates + four Brazilians

Dricus du Plessis x Khamzat Shimaev face each other for the first time. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC Brazil

O UFC 319 will stop the world of MMA this Saturday (16). All eyes will turn to Chicago, where the pay-per-view, at the United Center. In the main fight, the middleweight belt (up to 83,9 kg) is at stake. Khamzat Shimaev challenges Dricus du Plessis after the South African defended his title twice. In the co-main event, an important duel in the featherweight division (up to 65,7 kg). The Englishman Lerone murphy faces off against newcomer Aaron Pico, coming from the PFL.

Despite the cancellation of three fights, the card is still packed with reasons for fans to stay tuned from start to finish. Carlos Prates returns to the octagon to face Geoff neal in postponed struggle of UFC 314And there are four more Brazilians scheduled for the preliminary card, including a national duel. To get in the mood, the team at SUPER FIGHTS selected five reasons to follow the show.

Fight for the belt

Dricus du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev face each other this Saturday (16) at UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/Montage SUPER FIGHTS

A historic duel! The level of quality of the two fighters who will be in the main event of the UFC 319 reflects on the fans' guess. The close fight between Dricus du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev Public opinion around the world is divided as to who will be the winner. With 14 fights on his professional record, the undefeated Chechen will attempt to become the first to defeat DDP in the UFC in his third attempt to defend his title. Despite "The Wolf's" poor health history, the challenger has shown himself to be in top form throughout the week, and the South African is also raising no fears. The middleweight title clash (up to 83,9 kg) promises to be a heated affair.

Aaron Pico's Debut

Aaron Pico is now a UFC fighter. Photo: Cooper Neill/ Getty Images

In the co-main event, Aaron Pico's debut in an important featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) duel against the Englishman Lerone murphyThe American wrestler made history in Bellator with 13 wins, only two of which were by decision. Now, Pico reaches the pinnacle of world MMA, the UFC octagon, in a fight against the sixth-ranked fighter. On the other side, a tough fighter, undefeated in a 17-fight record.

Recovery of Carlos Prates

Carlos Prates faces Geoff neal No. UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction 'X'/UFCEurope

One of the big names in Fighting Nerds, Carlos Prates is a natural knockout artist. As a calling card, the Brazilian fought four times in 2024, knocked out and earned bonuses in all of his fights. But the year didn't start well for the star. For the first time in the UFC, the 'Nightmare' was defeated by Ian Machado Garry, at UFC Kansas City, in April. But now, the São Paulo native wants to get back on the winning track against Geoff nealTwo knockout fighters, both ranked next to each other: a recipe for a real brawl.

Brazil x Brazil

Karina Silva fight with Dione Barbosa No. UFC 319. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Right at the start of the event, in the second fight of the card, a breathtaking flyweight (up to 56,7 kg) clash. Nothing less than two tough Brazilians in action, one against the other. The now Fighting Nerd Karina Silva will seek to return to the path of victories against Dione Barbosa that comes from victory over Diana BelbitaThe two met five years ago in another organization, Katana Fight. Karine Killer won.

More Brazil

Jessica Stacker in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction Instagem/UFC

Two more fights on the preliminary card feature Brazilians. Jessica Stacker fight against Lupita Godinez in the strawweight division (up to 52,1 kg). The woman with the most wins in UFC history needs to bounce back from two consecutive losses in this opportunity against the Mexican. The super veteran Edson Barboza will you face it Drakkar Klose in a match valid for the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg).

UFC 319 technical sheet

Order date: August 16th, 2025

Open Hours: From 19pm (Brasília time)

Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE In real time, UFC Fight Pass (the entire card) online.

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Dricus Du Plessis x Khamzat Shimaev – fight for the belt

Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Lerone murphy x Aaron Pico

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Geoff neal x Carlos Prates

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Jared Cannonier x Michael Page

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Tim Elliott x Kai Asakura

PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)

Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Baysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Gerald meerschaert x Michal Oleksiejczuk

Straw weight (up to 52,1 kg): Jessica Stacker x Lupita Godinez

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Chase Hooper x Alexander Hernandez

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Edson Barboza x Drakkar Klose

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): BryanBattle x Nursulton Ruziboev – fight canceled

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Karina Silva x Dione Barbosa

Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alibi Idiris vs. Joseph Morales – TUF 33 finale