UF C 319mediadaylivestream

Published in Media and Entertainment on Wednesday, August 13th 2025 at 12:50 GMT by SB Nation
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At UFC 319 media day, the biggest UFC stars from Saturday's pay-per-view event will answer questions from the media Wednesday afternoon. The UFC 319 media day tentative schedule is as follows: 12:15 p.m. ET: Kai Asakura 12:30 p.m.: TUF welterweight finalist 12:45 p.m.: Alibi Idiris 1:30 p.m.: Khamzat Chimaev 1:45 p.m.: Carlos Prates 2 p.m.: [ ]

UFC 319 Media Day: Fighters Sound Off Ahead of Explosive Card

The atmosphere at UFC 319 Media Day was electric, with fighters from the main card and undercard gathering to field questions from the media, share their mindsets, and build hype for what promises to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. Held in Las Vegas, the event featured a star-studded lineup headlined by a welterweight clash between reigning champion Leon Edwards and challenger Belal Muhammad in a highly anticipated rematch. The co-main event pits lightweight contenders Tony Ferguson against Michael Chiesa, while other notable bouts include a middleweight showdown between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa, and a women's strawweight bout featuring Yan Xiaonan versus Tabatha Ricci.

Kicking off the proceedings, Leon Edwards took the stage with his trademark calm demeanor, but there was an edge to his words as he addressed the rematch with Muhammad. Edwards, who won the title with a stunning head-kick knockout over Kamaru Usman, reflected on their first encounter in 2021, which ended in a no-contest due to an accidental eye poke. "I've evolved so much since then," Edwards said. "Belal's been talking a lot, but talk is cheap. I'm going to show why I'm the champion and why he's not ready for this level." He emphasized his training camp, mentioning sparring sessions with top-tier partners and a focus on improving his grappling defense, anticipating Muhammad's wrestling-heavy approach. Edwards also touched on his journey from Birmingham, England, to UFC stardom, crediting his team for keeping him grounded amid the spotlight.

Belal Muhammad, ever the vocal challenger, didn't hold back in his responses. Known for his relentless pressure and cardio, Muhammad dismissed Edwards' confidence as arrogance. "He thinks that head kick defines him, but I've been grinding for years, beating everyone in my path," Muhammad stated. He referenced his impressive win streak, including victories over Gilbert Burns and Stephen Thompson, positioning himself as the rightful No. 1 contender. Muhammad promised a "war" in the octagon, vowing to drag Edwards into deep waters and expose any weaknesses. On a lighter note, he joked about his Palestinian heritage and how he's using the fight to inspire fans back home, turning the media day into a platform for motivation beyond the sport.

Shifting to the co-main event, Tony Ferguson appeared revitalized despite recent setbacks. The fan-favorite, who's endured a string of losses after a dominant run, spoke candidly about his mental and physical preparation. "I've been through hell, but I'm back with that fire," Ferguson said, alluding to personal struggles and injuries. He hyped his matchup with Chiesa, a submission specialist, by promising chaos: "Expect the unexpected – blood, sweat, and maybe some tears from him." Ferguson detailed his unorthodox training methods, including high-altitude runs and yoga, aiming to recapture the unpredictable style that made him a legend. Chiesa, on the other hand, approached the mic with respect but determination. "Tony's a warrior, but I'm here to win," he said. Chiesa, coming off a submission win, focused on his grappling prowess and how he plans to neutralize Ferguson's striking. He shared insights into his camp, emphasizing mental resilience after a career marked by ups and downs.

The middleweight bout between Sean Strickland and Paulo Costa drew significant attention, with both fighters known for their brash personalities. Strickland, the former champion, didn't mince words, calling Costa "a clown who talks more than he fights." He recounted his controversial loss to Dricus du Plessis and how it's fueled his return. "I'm coming in angry, ready to bang," Strickland declared, promising a stand-up war. Costa, the Brazilian powerhouse, laughed off the insults, responding in his signature humorous style. "Strickland is crazy, but I'm crazier," he quipped. Costa highlighted his knockout power and recent training in Brazil, where he's worked on conditioning to avoid the fatigue that plagued past performances. Their exchange turned into a highlight of the day, with barbs flying about everything from fighting styles to personal lives, ramping up the anticipation for what could be a Fight of the Night candidate.

In the women's division, Yan Xiaonan and Tabatha Ricci provided a contrast in approaches. Xiaonan, the Chinese striker with explosive power, discussed her path to contention after a tough loss to champion Zhang Weili. "I've improved my ground game and striking precision," she explained through a translator, expressing excitement for the Las Vegas crowd. Ricci, the rising Brazilian prospect, countered with confidence in her jiu-jitsu background. "Yan's tough, but I can take her down and finish it," Ricci said. She shared stories from her camp, including training with top grapplers, and how she's balancing motherhood with her fighting career, adding a personal layer to her narrative.

Undercard fighters also got their moments in the spotlight. Heavyweight prospect Shamil Gaziev talked about his debut jitters turning into confidence after a knockout win, setting up his clash with veteran Don'Tale Mayes. "I'm here to climb the ranks fast," Gaziev asserted. Mayes, with experience on his side, warned of underestimating him: "These young guys think it's easy, but I'll show him the ropes." In the flyweight division, Cody Durden and Bruno Silva exchanged words about their stylistic matchup, with Durden promising wrestling dominance and Silva vowing to keep it standing for a knockout.

Throughout the media day, themes of redemption, rivalry, and resilience echoed across the room. Fighters addressed broader topics like the evolution of MMA, the impact of social media on hype, and the physical toll of the sport. Edwards and Muhammad's staredown was intense, nearly sparking a confrontation, while Ferguson and Chiesa kept it respectful yet charged. The event wrapped with photo ops and final soundbites, leaving fans buzzing for fight night.

As UFC 319 approaches, the media day served as a perfect prelude, showcasing the personalities and stakes involved. From championship defenses to comeback stories, this card has all the ingredients for unforgettable action. Whether it's Edwards retaining his throne or Muhammad pulling off the upset, the octagon will tell the tale. (Word count: 928)

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UF C 319mediadaylivestream

UFC 319 Media Day: Fighters Sound Off Ahead of Explosive Card