UFC 319 Middleweight Title Fight Preview - Du Plessis vs. Chimaev: Can Borz dethrone Stillknocks this weekend? August 14, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

UFC 319 is set to light up the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 16, 2025, with a blockbuster middleweight championship bout headlining the event. The highly anticipated clash between reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev promises to be a defining moment for the division. Main card action begins at 10:00 PM EDT, marking the UFC's long-awaited return to Chicago after more than six years.

The centerpiece of UFC 319 is without question the showdown between Du Plessis and Chimaev—two of the sport's most captivating and dangerous competitors. With a combined professional record of 37-2, both fighters bring elite-level credentials into the Octagon, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle that is as unpredictable as it is exciting.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Champion Who Thrives Under Fire

South Africa's Dricus Du Plessis, 31, steps in for his second title defense of the year—an active and ambitious reign for a modern UFC champion. Since making his debut in 2020, Du Plessis has remained flawless in the UFC with a perfect 9-0 record, contributing to his overall 23-2 professional mark.

His most recent victory came in a gritty rematch against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC 297, a performance that reaffirmed his status as a resilient and adaptable champion. Known for his exceptional durability, relentless forward pressure, and a versatile blend of striking and grappling, Du Plessis has built a reputation for elevating his game when the stakes are highest. Critics point to his unconventional technique and sometimes slower hand speed, but his ability to absorb damage and push through grueling battles makes him one of the toughest tests in the division.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Relentless Undefeated Challenger

Also 31, Khamzat Chimaev finally gets his shot at UFC gold after years of hype and dominance. He earned this opportunity with a commanding first-round submission over Robert Whittaker in October, cementing his place as the division's most dangerous contender. Chimaev has dazzled since his 2020 debut, racking up eight consecutive UFC wins fueled by overwhelming wrestling pressure and lethal submission skills. His historic breakout run—three stoppage victories in just 65 days—instantly made him a fan favorite and a feared name in the sport.

However, his rise hasn't been without setbacks, including injuries, illness, VISA troubles, and a high-profile weight miss in 2022. These issues have sparked questions about his cardio and whether he can endure the suffocating pace that Du Plessis is known to impose. Still, Chimaev remains a generational talent, with an intensity and skillset that can end fights in the blink of an eye.

Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Sports Bet Odds

Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev is the favorite to win the match. Here are our latest odds:

• Chimaev as the favorite has a money line of -237 while du Plessis as the underdog has +202.
• Borz winning by KO/TKO or DQ has a money line of +300.
• Du Plessis pinning Chimaev via submission has a money line of +900.

Tactical Breakdown: A Fight on a Knife's Edge

This title fight has been labeled an “A+” matchup, with experts split almost evenly on the outcome. While Chimaev has entered every UFC fight as a heavy betting favorite, Du Plessis has repeatedly defied the odds, thriving in situations where he's been underestimated. Analysts see potential betting value in the champion, given his consistent success against top-tier middleweights.

Chimaev's greatest strength lies in his relentless wrestling and suffocating control, averaging a takedown attempt every 48 seconds while standing. Du Plessis's takedown defense is officially 50%, but that figure is misleading—he has only faced six attempts in nine UFC fights. A key storyline is whether Chimaev can take him down and keep him there, especially since Chimaev has never been controlled on the ground in his UFC career. On the other side, Du Plessis isn't afraid to mix in his own grappling, particularly in high-stakes fights, which could help him weather Chimaev's explosive early pace and drag the contest into the championship rounds.

Many believe that the longer the fight goes, the more it tilts toward Du Plessis, thanks to his deep gas tank and proven ability to excel in extended wars. That said, the threat of a late submission from Chimaev—possibly in the third round—looms large, given his precision and killer instinct.

Final Thought:

With one fighter representing relentless, suffocating aggression and the other embodying calculated durability and championship composure, UFC 319's main event is shaping up as a rare clash of unstoppable force versus immovable object. No matter who leaves with the belt, this is the kind of fight that could be remembered for years as a turning point in the middleweight division's history.

Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Tale of the Tape

Dricus "Stillknocks" du Plessis	VS	Khamzat "Borz" Chimaev
23-2-0	Record	14-0-0
Win	Last Fight	Win
South Africa	Country	United Arab Emirates
6' 1"	Height	6' 2"
185.00 LBS	Weight	186.00 LBS
76.0"	Reach	75.0"
43.0"	Leg Reach	40.0"
48%	Significant Strikes	41%
54%	Strikes Defense	41%
50%	Takedown Accuracy	46%
50%	Takedown Defense	100%