UFC 319: Chimaev vs Du Plessis – Middleweight Title Showdown

UFC 319 Chimaev vs Du Plessis is set to deliver one of the most anticipated MMA battles of the year. On Saturday, August 16, at the United Center in Chicago, unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev will challenge reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in a high-stakes title fight that has fans and analysts buzzing worldwide.

UFC 319 Main Event Breakdown

Dricus Du Plessis enters the Octagon for his third straight title defense. The South African star captured the belt from Sean Strickland in early 2024, then retained it with a submission win over Israel Adesanya and a unanimous decision against Strickland in their rematch. Known for his awkward yet effective striking and relentless pressure, Du Plessis has remained undefeated in the UFC, adding a TKO over former champion Robert Whittaker to his resume.

On the other side, Khamzat Chimaev has been a wrecking machine since debuting in the UFC. Also unbeaten, the Russian-born fighter’s resume includes a brutal submission win over Whittaker in October — breaking his jaw — and a dominant decision over former welterweight king Kamaru Usman the year before. Despite long layoffs due to injury and illness, Chimaev has remained one of the most feared contenders in MMA.

UFC 319 Date, Time & Location

• Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
• Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Early Prelims: 11pm BST / 3pm PT / 5pm CT / 6pm ET
• Prelims: 1am BST (Sunday) / 5pm PT / 7pm CT / 8pm ET (Saturday)
• Main Card: 3am BST (Sunday) / 7pm PT / 9pm CT / 10pm ET (Saturday)

How to Watch UFC 319 Live

Fans in the UK can watch UFC 319 Chimaev vs Du Plessis live on TNT Sports, with streaming available through the TNT Sports app and Discovery+. In the United States, ESPN+ will carry the event live, alongside UFC Fight Pass for global audiences.

Full UFC 319 Fight Card

(Card subject to change)

• Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight Title
• Co-Main Event: TBA
• Additional bouts to be announced

UFC 319 Odds

• Dricus Du Plessis – 13/8
• Khamzat Chimaev – 1/2

Oddsmakers currently have Chimaev as the betting favorite, but with both fighters undefeated in the UFC, this is a true 50-50 battle in the eyes of many fans.

Why This Fight Matters

This matchup is more than just a title fight — it’s a clash of two unbeaten warriors in their prime. Du Plessis has proven his championship caliber through resilience and adaptability, while Chimaev brings unmatched aggression and finishing ability. The winner will not only hold UFC gold but also cement their legacy as one of the most dangerous middleweights in MMA history.

Final Prediction

Fans can expect a war of attrition, with Du Plessis looking to drag Chimaev into deep waters and test his cardio, while Chimaev will aim for an early finish to avoid the champion’s grinding style. No matter the outcome, UFC 319 promises to be a night of unforgettable action.