The UFC middleweight division braces for a seismic shake-up as reigning champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis prepares to defend his belt against undefeated Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev at UFC 319
The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago on Saturday, 16 August.
This title fight, billed as a clash of styles, pits Du Plessis’ unorthodox brawling against Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and grappling dominance.
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Du Plessis (22-2), fresh off a dominant decision win over Sean Strickland in their rematch, enters as a proven warrior who thrives on chaos and cardio.
With only three of his professional bouts going the distance, the South African has built a reputation on finishing fights – and finishing them early.
Chimaev (14-0), meanwhile, burst into the title picture after dispatching former champ Robert Whittaker with a first-round submission, silencing critics who questioned his activity and commitment to the division.
“You don’t bargain on somebody else’s weakness when you go and fight,” Du Plessis told The New York Post.
“When the ref says ‘fight,’ I’m fighting as hard as I can for as long as I can.”
The remark was in response to concerns about Chimaev’s cardio endurance, which has faltered in longer bouts – notably against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Still, Du Plessis insists he won’t rely on Chimaev fading, but will prepare for 25 minutes of war.
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: Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose
- Middleweight: Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev
- Flyweight: Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa
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 41/100 favourite to dethrone Du Plessis, with the South African star on offer at 31/20.
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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