The UFC middleweight division is set for a blockbuster showdown as reigning champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis prepares to defend his title against undefeated challenger Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev at UFC 319 on Saturday, 16 August at the United Center in Chicago.
This highly anticipated clash will headline the event, pitting Du Plessis’s explosive striking and cardio against Chimaev’s dominant wrestling and submission game.
Du Plessis (22-2), South Africa’s first UFC champion, enters the octagon on the back of a commanding decision victory over Sean Strickland in their rematch earlier this year.
With 19 of his 22 career wins coming by stoppage, Du Plessis has earned a reputation for aggression, resilience, and relentless pressure.
Chimaev (14-0), representing Chechnya and Sweden, earned his shot at the belt with a stunning first-round submission of former champion Robert Whittaker, quelling doubts about his activity and legitimacy in the division.
Known for overwhelming opponents early, questions persist about his endurance over five rounds – particularly following grueling contests with Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Du Plessis, however, has made it clear that he is preparing for a full-length title fight and not banking on Chimaev fading late.
“You don’t bargain on somebody else’s weakness when you go and fight,” Du Plessis said.
“When the ref says ‘fight,’ I’m fighting as hard as I can for as long as I can.”
The bout marks a high-stakes clash not only of styles but of continents, with South Africa and Chechnya represented in one of the most intriguing matchups in recent UFC middleweight history.
What time is UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev?
The UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev card is scheduled to start with the early preliminaries at midnight SA time.
The main prelims start at 02:00 (SA time) on Sunday, 17 August.
The UFC 319 main card will begin coverage at 04:00 (SA time).
Main event cage walks are estimated to take place at 06:00 (SA time), but could be later depending on other fights.
Early preliminary card is as follows:
- Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez
- Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose
- Middleweight: Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev
- Flyweight: Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa
- Welterweight: Rodrigo Sezinando vs Daniil Donchenko
- Flyweight: Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales
Main preliminary card is as follows:
- Lightweight: King Green vs Diego Ferreira
- Middleweight: Gerald Meerschaert vs Michał Oleksiejczuk
- Strawweight: Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez
- Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez
UFC 319 main card is as follows:
- Middleweight Title Fight: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev
- Featherweight: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico
- Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates
- Middleweight: Jared Cannonier vs Michael “Venom” Page
- Flyweight: Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura
According to leading South African bookmakers Betway, Chimaev is a 19/50 favourite to dethrone Du Plessis, with the South African star on offer at 2/1.
Regardless of outcome, UFC 319 promises fireworks – and could be remembered as one of the most pivotal nights in MMA history.
Prediction
Khamzat Chimaev to win
How do you see the fight ending?
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