UFC 319 took place on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. As this event has concluded, tickets are no longer available for purchase through primary or secondary market vendors. The event was headlined by a massive middleweight title clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, marking one of the most significant mixed martial arts events in Chicago's history.

For fans and researchers looking into the pricing structure of premium UFC events, the following details provide a comprehensive look at the costs, seating arrangements, and logistical considerations that defined UFC 319.

Status of UFC 319 Tickets and Event Attendance

As of late August 2025, UFC 319 is a past event. The United Center, which has a capacity of approximately 23,000 for combat sports, saw a high demand for seats that led to a near-total sell-out weeks before the first punch was thrown. Official ticket sales were conducted primarily through Ticketmaster, with significant secondary market activity on platforms like StubHub, Gametime, and Vivid Seats.

Individuals looking for current UFC tickets should consult the official UFC schedule for upcoming numbered events. However, analyzing the UFC 319 ticket market offers valuable insights into what fans can expect to pay for future championship-caliber cards in major American markets like Chicago.

Main Event Analysis: Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev

The primary driver for the high ticket prices at UFC 319 was the main event featuring Dricus "Stillknocks" Du Plessis defending his middleweight gold against the undefeated Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev. This matchup represented a stylistic collision that fans had been demanding for over a year.

Du Plessis, known for his relentless pressure and unconventional striking, entered the octagon as a champion who had already cleared out significant portions of the top five. Chimaev, whose wrestling dominance and ferocious pace made him a global superstar, brought an aura of invincibility. The stakes of this fight influenced the "get-in" price for the event, which was significantly higher than the UFC's previous visit to the United Center.

Breakdown of UFC 319 Ticket Prices by Seating Level

Ticket prices for UFC 319 varied drastically depending on proximity to the octagon and access to premium amenities. Below is the historical pricing data recorded during the peak of the sales window.

Upper Level (300 Level) Seats

The 300 Level at the United Center represents the "nosebleed" section, but for many fans, it is the only affordable way to experience a live UFC event.

  • Starting Price: Approximately $450 - $500 per ticket.
  • Bestselling Rows: Rows 1 through 5 in the 300 Level often commanded a premium, sometimes reaching $1,100 due to the clear sightlines of the entire arena and the big screens.
  • Value Sections: Sections 325 and 327 were frequently listed as the "cheapest" options, with prices hovering around $680 inclusive of fees during the final week before the event.

Club Level (200 Level) Seats

The 200 Level offers a balance between elevation and proximity. These seats are often preferred by fans who want to see the grappling exchanges clearly without the obstruction of the octagon mesh that occurs at lower levels.

  • Starting Price: $644.
  • Premium Club Seats: Seats in Sections 202, 217, and 233 were valued between $1,100 and $1,600.
  • Amenities: These tickets often included access to exclusive lounges, upscale food and beverage options, and private restrooms. Row 1 of the Club Level was highly sought after, with prices often exceeding $2,700 on the secondary market.

Lower Level (100 Level) Seats

The 100 Level puts fans close to the action. These sections start at 101 (behind the benches) and go clockwise to 122.

  • Starting Price: $644 (for back rows).
  • Prime Lower Sections: Sections 110, 111, 104, and 105 are considered the center-court equivalent for MMA. Tickets here averaged between $1,300 and $2,000.
  • Sightlines: Observers noted that the mid-rows of the 100 Level (Rows 8-15) actually offer better visibility than the front rows, as the slight elevation allows the viewer to see over the cameramen and officials surrounding the cage.

Floor and VIP Seating

Floor seats are the most expensive and prestigious tickets at any UFC event. At UFC 319, these seats reached record highs for a Chicago-based card.

  • Standard Floor Seats: Starting at $3,000.
  • Inner Circle/VIP Ringside: Seats in Floor Sections 2, 3, and 4 (Rows 1-3) were listed between $5,000 and $8,600.
  • The Experience: While floor seats provide the most visceral experience—allowing fans to hear the impact of strikes and the instructions from the corners—they can also be difficult for shorter individuals due to the flat seating arrangement and the presence of technical equipment.

Full UFC 319 Fight Card Details

The depth of the UFC 319 card justified the steep ticket costs. The event featured a mix of rising contenders, established legends, and high-stakes divisional battles.

Main Card (Pay-Per-View)

  1. Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight Title)
  2. Co-Main Event: Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
  3. Welterweight Bout: Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates
  4. Middleweight Bout: Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page
  5. Flyweight Bout: Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura

Preliminary Card

  • Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose
  • Middleweight: Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev
  • Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez
  • Women's Strawweight: Jéssica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez
  • Lightweight: King Green vs. Diego Ferreira

Early Preliminary Card

  • Middleweight: Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk
  • Women's Flyweight: Karine Silva vs. JJ Aldrich

United Center Venue Guide for UFC Fans

The United Center, located at 1901 W Madison St, Chicago, is one of the premier indoor arenas in the United States. For UFC 319, the venue implemented specific protocols to handle the influx of nearly 20,000 fans.

Parking and Transportation

Parking at the United Center is extensive but requires planning.

  • Official Lots: Lots A, B, D, F, G, J, C, and K surround the arena. Official parking rates started at approximately $21, though the Malcolm X Garage was priced higher at $108 for premium proximity.
  • Accessible Parking: Located in Lot G at the southwest corner of the building. A valid handicapped license plate or placard was mandatory.
  • Public Transit: The arena is accessible via the CTA Blue Line (Illinois Medical District station) and the Green/Pink Lines (Ashland station). The #19 United Center Express bus also runs on event days, starting 90 minutes before the first fight.

The Uber Zone

To streamline rideshare traffic, the United Center consolidated its pickup locations into a single Uber Zone located at the corner of Madison Street and Wood Street (Lot E). This replaced the previous scattered zones (A, D, and F) to reduce post-fight congestion.

Entry Requirements and Prohibited Items

Fans attending UFC 319 were subject to standard United Center security screenings. Large bags, professional recording equipment, and outside food or beverages were strictly prohibited. Most fans arrived by 5:00 PM local time to catch the early preliminaries, as the atmosphere in the arena builds significantly throughout the night.

Pay-Per-View Pricing and Global Viewing Options

For those who did not purchase tickets to the live event in Chicago, UFC 319 was available via Pay-Per-View (PPV).

Domestic US Pricing (ESPN+)

The standard price for the UFC 319 PPV on ESPN+ was $79.99 for existing subscribers. New subscribers often had the option to purchase a bundle that included an annual ESPN+ subscription and the PPV for a discounted rate. This model has become the industry standard for UFC "numbered" events, reflecting the high production value and exclusive nature of the content.

International Screenings

In markets like New Zealand and Australia, the time difference meant the fight aired on Sunday, August 17. Some venues, such as Lilyworld at Go Media Stadium in Auckland, offered free live screenings on massive outdoor screens, providing a communal atmosphere for fans who could not travel to Chicago. Premium seating at these screenings often required a minimum spend (e.g., $50 per head).

Attending a UFC Event in Chicago: Strategic Tips

Based on the logistics of UFC 319, future attendees can learn several strategic tips for navigating major cards at the United Center.

Choosing the Right Seat

While the "best" seat is subjective, the consensus among experienced MMA fans is that the Lower 100 Level, Rows 10-20, provides the optimal viewing angle. At this height, you are high enough to see over the octagon fence but close enough to see the sweat and facial expressions of the fighters.

Staying in Chicago

Chicago is a major tourist destination with varied accommodation. Fans visiting for UFC 319 typically stayed in the West Loop or Near West Side to remain within walking distance or a short ride of the United Center. The West Loop is also home to many of the city's top-rated restaurants, making it a hub for pre-fight dining.

Arrival Time

The UFC 319 schedule began with early prelims at 5:00 PM. While the main card didn't start until 9:00 PM, arriving early allows fans to see rising prospects and avoid the massive security lines that form just before the co-main event.

What to Expect from Future UFC Events in the Region

The success of UFC 319, evidenced by the high ticket prices and sold-out status, reinforces Chicago's position as a "fight town." The gate revenue and local economic impact from such an event often run into the millions of dollars. As the UFC continues its global expansion, the United Center remains a flagship venue for the promotion's summer or fall blockbuster cards.

Conclusion

UFC 319 was a landmark event for the middleweight division, headlined by the intense battle between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. Although tickets are no longer available for this specific date, the pricing trends and venue logistics of August 16, 2025, serve as a blueprint for fans planning to attend future championship fights. With get-in prices starting around $450 and VIP floor seats reaching over $8,000, attending a live UFC event at the United Center is a premium experience that requires significant financial planning and early booking.

FAQ

How much were the cheapest tickets for UFC 319?

The cheapest tickets for UFC 319 were generally found in the 300 Level (Upper Level), specifically in sections like 325 and 327. These tickets started at approximately $450, though including fees, the final price on the secondary market was often closer to $680 during the weeks leading up to the event.

Can I still buy tickets for UFC 319?

No, UFC 319 took place on August 16, 2025. The event is concluded, and tickets are no longer for sale. You should check the official UFC website for information on upcoming events and ticket release dates.

Where is the best place to park at the United Center for a UFC event?

For convenience, Lot K and Lot C are the closest to the arena entrances, but they are often reserved for premium ticket holders. Lot G is the designated area for accessible parking. For general attendees, Lot H and the Malcolm X Garage are reliable options, though they may require a 5-10 minute walk.

What was the main event of UFC 319?

The main event of UFC 319 was a middleweight title fight between the champion Dricus Du Plessis and the challenger Khamzat Chimaev. This was one of the most anticipated fights of the year due to both fighters' high rankings and explosive styles.

How much did the UFC 319 Pay-Per-View cost?

The UFC 319 Pay-Per-View was priced at $79.99 for ESPN+ subscribers in the United States. Fans without an ESPN+ subscription were required to sign up for the service to purchase the event.