The UFC is back in the “Windy City” for the first time in more than six years for UFC 319, its ninth pay-per-view of the calendar year, and the popular “Embedded” fight week video series is here to document what’s happening behind the scenes.
UFC 319 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) takes place Saturday at United Center in Chicago.
In the headliner, middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) puts his title on the line for the third time when he meets unbeaten – and favored – challenger Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC).
In addition, wrestling standout Aaron Pico (13-4 MMA, 0-0 UFC) makes his highly anticipated UFC debut after years in Bellator when he takes on unbeaten featherweight Lerone Murphy (16-0-1 MMA, 8-0-1 UFC) in the co-main event. Plus, the popular Michael Page (23-3 MMA, 2-1 UFC) meets former middleweight title challenger Jared Cannonier (18-8 MMA, 11-8 UFC) and more in the home of the Bulls and Blackhawks.
The first episode of “Embedded” follows the headliners and featured fighters while they get ready for fight week. Here is the UFC’s description of the episode from YouTube:
Champ Dricus du Plessis throws out the first pitch at the Cubs game and takes in a Bears practice; Michael “Venom” Page has “Uncle Bootcamp” with his nephews; Lerone Murphy gets hones his striking; Aaron Pico gets a new suit; Carlos Prates plays video games at home; Geoff Neal brings a mobile gym to his house for training; Khamzat Chimaev works on his cardio.
