This Saturday, August 16, 2025, Dricus Du Plessis puts his middleweight title on the line against Khamzat Chimaev at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Fans around the globe eagerly await this showdown, with the Khamzat Chimaev fight start time varying depending on their location, making it essential to know the precise schedule to catch the action live.

In the United States and Canada, the early preliminary bouts begin at 6:00 PM, followed by prelims at 8:00 PM, and the main event at 10:00 PM local time. Mexico’s coverage kicks off an hour earlier, with early prelims at 5:00 PM, prelims at 7:00 PM, and the main card starting at 9:00 PM.

Several South American countries, including Brazil and Argentina, have early preliminaries beginning at 7:00 PM, the prelims at 9:00 PM, and the headline fight set for 11:00 PM on August 16. Meanwhile, viewers in the United Kingdom and Ireland will see early prelims begin late on August 16 at 11:00 PM, with prelims at 1:00 AM, and the main fight at 3:00 AM on August 17.

Across continental Europe, such as Spain, France, and Italy, events start at midnight with early preliminaries, leading into prelims at 2:00 AM, and the main event at 4:00 AM on August 17. Moscow viewers will catch early bouts starting at 1:00 AM, prelims at 3:00 AM, and the main fight at 5:00 AM. In Georgia, the times move later with early prelims at 2:00 AM and the main event at 6:00 AM on August 17.

Asia has multiple time zones for the fight schedule. China’s early prelims start at 6:00 AM followed by prelims at 8:00 AM and the main fight at 10:00 AM August 17. Japan sees timings an hour later with the main event beginning at 11:00 AM. In India, the earliest start times are 3:30 AM for early prelims, 5:30 AM for prelims, and 7:30 AM for the main card.

The Middle East region follows with early prelims beginning as early as 1:00 AM in Saudi Arabia, 2:00 AM in the UAE, and corresponding main event times between 5:00 and 6:00 AM on the 17th. Africa’s South African fans will tune in from midnight for early prelims and experience the main fight at 4:00 AM.

Down under, fans in Australia (Sydney) will see early prelims at 8:00 AM, prelims at 10:00 AM, and the main event at 12:00 PM on August 17. New Zealand viewers catch the fight starting from 10:00 AM with the main bout at 2:00 PM.

Where and How to Watch UFC 319 and Full Fight Card Highlights

The main card of UFC 319 airs live on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View in the United States, with preliminary matches available via ESPN and ESPN+. UK fans can watch the event live on TNT Sports, and UFC Fight Pass will stream the fights internationally. This arrangement ensures fans around the world have access to the full lineup, including not just the Du Plessis versus Chimaev main event, but also several notable matchups throughout the evening.

Besides the headline battle for the middleweight championship, the fight card features contenders like Carlos Prates and Michael Page, promising a night packed with competitive and high-stakes bouts beyond the main event. This diversity on the card underscores the event’s appeal and the variety of fighting styles fans can expect.

Fighter Perspectives Leading up to the Main Event

Dricus Du Plessis has downplayed Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling reputation, emphasizing the unique nature of mixed martial arts compared to grappling or wrestling disciplines. This mindset hints at a strategic approach to counteracting Chimaev’s strengths inside the octagon.

“This Is Not Grappling Or Wrestling This Is MMA” —Dricus Du Plessis

The heavyweight champion has also expressed confidence in Du Plessis’s current form, suggesting that he appears nearly unbeatable at this moment. Such remarks add a layer of anticipation to the fight, as Chimaev aims to disrupt Du Plessis’s rising momentum and reclaim dominance.

Global Impact and What to Expect Next

The wide distribution of the fight times highlights UFC 319’s global significance and its reach across continents, uniting fans with a shared moment in the sports calendar. For many, knowing the exact Khamzat Chimaev fight start time is critical to experiencing the electric atmosphere live and supporting their favorite fighters worldwide.

Following the main fight, the results are likely to influence rankings, future title shots, and new rivalries in the UFC middleweight division. Both fighters have tasted victory over high-profile opponents before, raising the stakes for this rematch and setting the stage for compelling MMA narratives going forward.