A lot of people were focused on Khamzat Chimaev, which is why matchmakers hired a backup fighter for the UFC 319 main event. Meanwhile, Bryan Battle missed weight by four pounds, yet again, for his middleweight showdown against Nursulton Ruziboev on Sat. night (Aug. 16, 2025) at United Center in Chicago.

Needless to say, Ruziboev — who weighed in at 186 pounds — was not happy.

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“Instead of talking too much, you need to make the weight first,“ Ruziboev wrote on Instagram. ”This a professional sport blondie.“

In a move not unlike the old Johny Hendricks days, Battle moved up a division after blowing up the scale at welterweight, though it didn’t seem to matter once “The Butcher” clocked in at 190 pounds. As a result, UFC canceled his fight shortly after today’s UFC 319 early (and official) weigh ins.

Ruziboev is expected to be paid his “show” purse.

LIVE! Watch UFC 319 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CAR CRASH! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its 2025 pay-per-view (PPV) schedule on Sat., Aug. 16, 2025, with a blockbuster title fight set to headline UFC 319 from inside United Center in Chicago, Illinois. In UFC 319’s PPV main event, Middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, defends his title against undefeated No. 3-ranked contender, Khamzat Chimaev, in a high-stakes, five-round battle of unbeaten UFC records. UFC 319’s PPV co-main event features a Featherweight showdown between Lerone Murphy and promotional newcomer, Aaron Pico, a high-profile free-agent signing stepping in on short notice. UFC 319 will also showcase a Welterweight clash between Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates, a Middleweight bout pitting Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page, a Flyweight matchup featuring Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura, and much more! UFC 319’s start time is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (“Early Prelims”), 8 p.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard), and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card)

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

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For much more on this weekend’s UFC 319: “Du Plessis vs. Chimaev” fight card click here.