Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev to Headline UFC 319
The mixed martial arts world is preparing for a stellar showdown. UFC CEO Dana White announced that the middleweight title fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev will be the main event of UFC 319.
The pay-per-view event is scheduled for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago. This event will mark the return of the UFC to Chicago since 2019.
Du Plessis in Search of His Third Title Defense
Dricus Du Plessis, from South Africa, will seek to defend his title for the third time. The fighter won the belt after a split decision against Sean Strickland in 2024 and has already achieved two successful defenses against Israel Adesanya and in the rematch against Strickland.
Du Plessis boasts an impressive streak of 11 consecutive victories, including a perfect 9-0 record in the UFC.
Chimaev Seeks to Establish Himself
For Khamzat Chimaev, this title fight represents a long-awaited opportunity. The Chechen contender burst onto the scene in 2020, winning his first two UFC fights in a span of ten days. However, he has struggled to stay active due to various problems, including health complications from COVID-19 that led him to consider retirement.
Chimaev, 31, has proven to be dominant when he has been active. His last victory was by submission in the first round over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in October, in a fight where Whittaker failed to land a single strike.
Chimaev also has notable victories against Kamaru Usman, Gilbert Burns, and Kevin Holland.
