UFC 319 line-up criticised after five-time headliner is placed on early prelims

Many big names are also scheduled to fight before Du Plessis and Chimaev battle for the middleweight title. Jared Cannonier, Michael ‘Venom’ Page, Carlos Prates, Kai Asakura, King Green, and Jessica Andrade are all expected to appear on the main card, while Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico are set to feature in the co-main event.

Barboza hasn’t fought since his loss to Murphy 14 months ago in an Apex headliner. That fight was his second straight main event and fifth overall in a UFC career that’s now stretched over 15 years.

Barboza’s return against Drakkar Klose is currently scheduled to close out that portion of the card, which will also feature this year’s two finals of The Ultimate Fighter, along with bouts including Bryan Battle and Karine Silva.

Fans not happy with Edson Barboza’s early placement on the UFC 319 card

The announcement swiftly drew attention, largely focusing on Barboza’s unexpected shift from headlining two consecutive events to an early preliminary bout. 

Fans expressed disapproval of his placement on the card, interpreting it as a sign of disrespect towards a veteran who has dedicated years to the promotion.

“Barboza is buried at the bottom of the card? The disrespect.”

“Barboza going from main event to early prelims kinda crazy.”

“Barbosa on the early prelims (heartbreak emoji).”

“Putting Edson Barboza on the early prelims is criminal.”

However, others took a more positive view or pointed out other fighters deserving attention.

“That has to be the most stacked early prelims I’ve seen.”

“Battle on Early Prelims????”

“How is Battle at the beginning of (the) prelims? That’s probably the best fight on the whole prelim (card).”