Dana White Announces Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev For UFC 319

The UFC has officially announced a highly anticipated middleweight title bout between reigning champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. This clash is set to headline UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, marking the promotion’s return to the city after a six-year hiatus.

The Champion: Dricus du Plessis

South African fighter Dricus du Plessis (23-2) has rapidly ascended the UFC middleweight ranks since his debut in 2020. He captured the middleweight title by defeating Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 297 in January 2024. Du Plessis successfully defended his title against Israel Adesanya with a fourth-round submission at UFC 305 and secured a unanimous decision in a rematch against Strickland at UFC 312 in February 2025.

Known for his relentless pressure and unorthodox striking, du Plessis has expressed eagerness to face Chimaev, stating, “Khamzat is next. I want to make sure that this belt, the middleweight title, that there’s no question that I’m the GOAT of the middleweight division.”

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The Challenger: Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev (14-0) has been a dominant force since his UFC debut, showcasing exceptional wrestling and grappling skills. His notable victories include a majority decision over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and a first-round submission of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, which earned him a Performance of the Night award.

Chimaev’s aggressive style and undefeated record have made him one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC. His upcoming bout against du Plessis will be his first fight in the United States since 2022.

Expert Predictions and Fight Dynamics

The matchup has garnered significant attention from the MMA community. Former title challenger Yoel Romero, an Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling, gave Chimaev a slight edge, citing his “Olympic-level” wrestling as a key factor.

However, du Plessis’s resilience and unconventional approach have led others to view the fight as evenly matched. The bout is expected to be a test of Chimaev’s grappling dominance against du Plessis’s striking and endurance.

Anticipation Builds

As UFC 319 approaches, fans eagerly await this high-stakes showdown between two of the middleweight division’s top talents. With both fighters bringing unique strengths to the octagon, the outcome could significantly impact the division’s landscape.

The event promises to be a landmark event, with du Plessis and Chimaev vying for supremacy in what is anticipated to be one of the most compelling matchups of the year.