The Game: UFC 319

The Octagon hits the United Center in Chicago this Saturday, August 16, with a middleweight title fight that headlines a strong PPV: Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev.

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Main card snapshot • Middleweight Title — Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Champion vs. undefeated challenger. Five rounds to settle who leads the division. • Featherweight — Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico Murphy’s unbeaten run meets Pico’s much-anticipated UFC debut. • Welterweight — Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates Clean power on both sides; someone likely lands big. • Middleweight — Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “MVP” Page Cannonier’s pressure and power against Page’s movement and counters. • Flyweight — Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura Veteran vs. an aggressive newcomer.

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Prelims to watch • Baysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan (MW) — debut spotlight and a fast pace expected. • Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk (MW) — early finish threat either way. • Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godínez (SW) — proven name vs. surging contender. • Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez (LW) — volume vs. explosiveness.

Early Prelims: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose (LW); Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa (WFLY); Alibi Idiris vs. Joseph Morales (FLY tournament final).

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Why this card matters • Title stakes: Du Plessis’ pressure and cardio meet Chimaev’s relentless wrestling in a five-round test. • High-profile debut: Pico steps in at featherweight against the best opponent he could draw on arrival. • Style clashes: Neal–Prates and Cannonier–Page carry real knockout potential. • Big stage: A packed Chicago PPV tends to produce statements.

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MMA Fantasy insights:

Most lineups will lean on the title fight and Murphy–Pico. If you attach a multiplier to the main event, remember five-rounders can go long; prioritize fighters with either clear finishing upside or high output.

Leverage spots (where builds will differ): • Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates — genuine KO danger for both. Calling the method and round here can separate you fast. • Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page — unpredictability favours bold picks; a late finish can outscore safer choices. • Baysangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan — debut energy and unknowns make this a smart place to take a stand.

Boost strategy: • Use your 4× on the matchup you trust most • Aim 3× at a striker’s duel with real finishing upside (Neal–Prates or Cannonier–Page). • Drop 2× on a prelim you read better than the field (Susurkaev–Nolan or Andrade–Godínez).

Focus your multipliers on fights with finish equity or steady volume so you can bank method/round points and pull away from conservative lineups.

Lock your picks, assign the boosts with intent, and enjoy a stacked night in Chicago. 👊