UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cards of the year, with Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis defending his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. The action goes down Saturday, August 16th, and it’s the perfect time for bettors to capitalize on one of the biggest fights of 2025.

We’ve got our best bets and predictions for UFC 319 below—plus, we’ll show you how to bet on them at DraftKings Sportsbook and how to catch the fights live on ESPN+.

UFC 319 Predictions & Picks: Saturday, August 16th

The main event is just the tip of the iceberg. UFC 319 features a stacked card with potential title implications, rising prospects, and fierce rivalries. Here are our top picks for the night.

 

 

 

Du Plessis vs. Chimaev

Pick: Khamzat Chimaev 

The hype is real, and it’s time for Khamzat to prove he belongs at the top. While Du Plessis has been on an incredible run—defeating Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland—Chimaev’s relentless pressure, wrestling, and improving striking make him a nightmare matchup. If he can avoid getting caught early, expect Chimaev to grind out a decision or finish in the later rounds.

Best Bet: Chimaev by R1 (+250)

Du Plessis is tough, durable, and has cardio for five rounds. That makes a finish harder to come by but if Chimaev is going to find one, I expect it to be when he is fresh.  The fight is lined O/U 2.5 Rounds but if that over hits, I favor DDP to win the later rounds.

Co-Main: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico

Pick: Lerone Murphy by KO +600

This is a really close fight here, so I’m looking for big odds on a prop bet.  Murphy is 16-0 in his career, and he is the underdog in this spot.  If Pico can get his Olympic-level wrestling going, it could be tough sledding for Murphy, but Pico has been fighting much lower competition in Bellator.  Pico has never lost a decision; if he loses, it is always by getting KO’d or submitted, and Murphy isn’t going to look to go to the ground in this matchup.

Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez

Pick: Chase Hooper by KO +600

Hooper is a submission specialist, but he also loves to throw vicious ground and pound if he gets someone down.  If the fight goes more than 7.5 minutes, I expect Chase to dominate the later stages.  Some sites like Fanduel will release “Chase Hooper to Win in Round 2/3” props, but they haven’t posted them yet. I’ll keep an eye out for the line and will update the Discord if the price is right.

 

 

 

How To Bet On My UFC Picks At DraftKings

Getting in on the action at DraftKings Sportsbook is easy:

  1. Sign up or log in to your DraftKings account.
  2. Claim your promo (see below) if you're a new user.
  3. Navigate to UFC 319 under the MMA tab.
  4. Choose your bet type: Moneyline, Method of Victory, Round Betting, etc.
  5. Select your picks, enter your stake, and place your bet.

DraftKings offers tons of bet types and live betting options throughout the card. Don’t forget to parlay picks for bigger payouts (just be smart about it).

 

 

 

How to Watch UFC 319 on ESPN, Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Saturday Night

UFC 319 will be available exclusively on ESPN+ as a PPV event in the United States. Here's how to watch:

  • Prelims: Start at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN & ESPN+
  • Main Card (PPV): Starts at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+ only
  • Main Event: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev expected around 12:15 AM ET

To watch, you’ll need an active ESPN+ subscription and then purchase the PPV separately through the app or website.

 

 

 

UFC 319 Odds & Score $200 Promo At DraftKings

New User Promo:

UFC 319 promises fireworks from top to bottom. With Chimaev stepping into the biggest fight of his career and Du Plessis looking to cement his reign, don’t miss your chance to watch—and bet—on history in the making. Let’s cash some tickets Saturday night!