Dana White comments on fan favorite choice for the co-main event of UFC 319’s TBD matchup
With UFC 318 in the books and memorable moments like Max Holloway’s victory over Dustin Poirier still fresh, attention is racing toward the next blockbuster occasion: UFC 319, set for August 16 in Chicago. The excitement isn’t just about the anticipated main event—Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev for the middleweight belt—but also about the still-mysterious TBD co-main event slot that’s sparked a frenzy of speculation among fans and fighters alike.
The Missing Piece: Fans Make Their Voices Heard
During the broadcast of UFC 318, the main card lineup for UFC 319 was displayed, and eagle-eyed viewers noted the glaring “TBD vs TBD” next to the co-main event. The Internet wasted no time in offering their wishlist, with Aaron Pico vs Movsar Evloev emerging as a clear fan favorite to fill that gap.
The matchup, originally scheduled for July 26, was derailed after Evloev withdrew. Pico, eager to step into the slot, stated that he “understands there’s an opening” and showed willingness to be rebooked. This contest, which was set over five rounds and could easily define the next challenger for Alexander Volkanovski’s title, offers serious stakes for the featherweight division. The fight, if rebooked, would up the ante for an already electric card.
Dana White Responds to Speculation
At the UFC 318 post-fight press conference, UFC president Dana White was asked directly whether Pico vs Evloev would be given the co-main event spotlight at UFC 319. White was candid about the uncertainty. “Right here, right now, I have no idea,” he admitted. While this non-committal response leaves the door open, it also signals that decisions are still in flux just weeks out from fight night.
Other Names in the Mix
While the rescheduling of Pico versus Evloev has support, the MMA community has plenty of alternatives up its sleeve. Social media was alight with suggestions—from a lightweight showdown between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje, to potential welterweight clashes involving Ian Machado Garry with possible opponents like Belal Muhammad or Sean Brady. Although some of these ideas have already been shot down by the fighters themselves, others remain tantalizing possibilities as the UFC finalizes its lineup.
What Experts and Fans Are Saying
Industry observers like former fighters and MMA analysts suggest the UFC is carefully weighing the card’s balance. “The co-main at a card this big can set up the momentum for the rest of the year,” one analyst noted, pointing out that whatever, or whoever, is chosen will impact title pictures and future PPVs.
Meanwhile, fans online are split: some campaign hard for the high-stakes featherweight contender clash, hoping for a restored Pico vs Evloev faceoff, while others root for bigger-name, action-packed scraps. Regardless, anticipation is building fast.
Looking to the Future
With UFC 319 just weeks away and no official co-main event announced, the pressure is on for the UFC to make a bold move. The decision could reshape the division rankings and stir up new rivalries, raising the stakes for fighters and fans alike as Chicago gears up to host one of the summer’s top MMA events.
Source: bloodyelbow.com