Overview

• UFC 319 takes place August 16 at Chicago’s United Center with Dricus Du Plessis defending the middleweight belt against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event.
• Co-mainter Lerone Murphy enters at 16-0 after eight straight UFC wins while former Bellator standout Aaron Pico (13-4) makes his Octagon debut.
• Cejudo forecasts the winner will earn the next shot at Volkanovski and ultimately unseat him as featherweight champion.
• Josh Thomson has questioned Pico’s decision to face Murphy instead of Movsar Evloev, calling it a tougher first UFC assignment.
• Jon Jones coach Brandon Gibson labels Pico the most disciplined athlete he’s ever trained, praising his wrestling and striking acumen.