The UFC is preparing to deliver one of the most anticipated middleweight title clashes in recent history. On Saturday, August 16, at UFC 319, undefeated powerhouse Khamzat Chimaev will challenge reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. With both fighters on dominant streaks, fans are bracing for a war that could reshape the middleweight division.
Khamzat Chimaev’s unstoppable rise
Since making his UFC debut in 2020, Chimaev has been nothing short of spectacular. Nicknamed “Borz”, the Chechen-born fighter, now based in Dubai, has racked up a flawless 14-0 MMA record, with eight UFC victories under his belt. Known for his relentless pressure and ferocious finishing ability, Chimaev has secured five Performance of the Night bonuses and dismantled elite competition, including former champion Robert Whittaker in his most recent bout.
Before entering the UFC, Chimaev built momentum on the international stage, winning six fights between 2018–2019 in dominant fashion. His early days inside the Octagon saw him break records by competing twice in just ten days, securing emphatic victories against John Phillips and Rhys McKee. With his title shot finally here, many believe Khamzat Chimaev could usher in a new era of middleweight dominance.
Dricus Du Plessis: The champ with momentum
Standing across from him will be South Africa’s finest, Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis, who has carved his own path to UFC gold. Despite two early-career setbacks outside the UFC, Dricus Du Plessis has since been untouchable inside the promotion. The reigning champion boasts a 23-2 record and is riding a nine-fight winning streak in the UFC, with victories over some of the sport’s biggest names, including Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland.
Now, the 31-year-old champion is aiming for his third consecutive title defense, and he has made it clear he plans to silence Chimaev’s hype in front of a packed Chicago crowd.
UFC 319 event details
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
Prelims start: 8 pm ET / 1 am BST (Sunday)
Main event walkouts: 11:30 pm ET / 4:30 am BST (Sunday)
Chicago, a historic UFC destination, last hosted a major card at UFC 238 in 2019. The United Center, home to the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks, is the largest NBA arena and can seat up to 23,500 fans for combat sports and concerts.
How to watch UFC 319 in the United States
Fans in the U.S. can catch all the action live on ESPN PPV, with streaming available exclusively via the ESPN+ app. The event is priced at $79.99 and can be accessed on multiple platforms including Apple, Android, Fire TV, Roku, Smart TVs, and more.
UFC 319 Fight Card
Main Card:
Middleweight Title: Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev
Featherweight: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico
Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates
Middleweight: Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page
Flyweight: Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura
Fighter stats at a glance
Dricus Du Plessis: Age 31 | Height 1.85 m | Reach 1.93 m | Record 23-2
Khamzat Chimaev: Age 31 | Height 1.88 m | Reach 1.91 m | Record 14-0
As fight night approaches, anticipation continues to skyrocket. With Chimaev’s aura of invincibility and Du Plessis’ proven championship grit, UFC 319 promises to deliver a battle fans won’t forget.