On 16 August 2025, the United Center in Chicago will pulsate with anticipation as champion Dricus Du Plessis defends his middleweight crown against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev in the headline bout of UFC 319.
Champion vs Challenger
Du Plessis, a former KSW welterweight champion and now UFC middleweight titleholder, enters the Octagon with two successful defenses under his belt—having outpointed Sean Strickland, submitted Israel Adesanya, and completed a dominant rematch against Strickland . He brings an unpredictable, strategic striking game that he believes is impossible for opponents to mimic.
Opposing him is Khamzat Chimaev, 14-0 and renowned for his relentless wrestling and finishing prowess. To shore up the one area of concern—his cardio—Chimaev has revamped his training with world-class coach Sam Calavitta, emphasizing stamina and endurance (MMAmania.com.) MMA analysts see this fight as a defining moment for Chimaev’s career, while a victory for Du Plessis could vault him into the lightweight pound-for-pound elite (MMA Fighting).
Fight Prep, Focus & Stakes
Former training partner Darren Till labels it a 60-40 matchup in favour of Chimaev, but warns that Du Plessis’s toughness and deadly striking could turn the tides in the later rounds MMAmania.com. Meanwhile, Du Plessis remains composed—undaunted by odds and fueled by a blend of agility, guile, and finishing power( The Sun).
The Full Card & Broadcast Details
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Main Card, featuring 5 PM PT / 10 PM ET / 3 AM UK start times, streams on ESPN+ PPV in the U.S., and on TNT Sports and Discovery+ in the UK (The Sport ReviewDAZN).
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Alongside the main event, co-main bouts include:
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Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico (Featherweight)
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Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
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Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page (Middleweight)
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Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura (Flyweight) (The Sport ReviewDAZN).
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