UFC 319 has a blockbuster main event lined up that promises to electrify fight fans. The event, taking place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 16, 2025, features middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis defending his title against the undefeated powerhouse Khamzat Chimaev, who holds an impressive record of 14-0.
This announcement came on Tuesday from UFC officials, including promotion President Dana White, confirming what could be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent memory. Khamzat Chimaev, known as “Borz,” burst onto the UFC scene in 2020 and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Chimaev set the record for the fastest turnaround between fights in modern UFC history, showcasing his versatility by competing in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
However, Chimaev faced significant challenges due to a severe bout with COVID-19, which threatened to derail his promising career. Since then, his fight frequency has diminished, with only one fight each year for three of the past four years. The exception was in 2022 when Chimaev managed to step into the Octagon twice. His most recent appearance was a dominant performance against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, where Chimaev inflicted serious damage using a face crank submission to secure victory.
Dricus Du Plessis represents a significant challenge for Chimaev. The South African fighter made history by becoming the first UFC champion from his country when he captured the middleweight title in January 2024 at UFC 297. Du Plessis won the championship after a hard-fought decision over Sean Strickland. Since then, he has successfully defended his title not once, but twice, against top contenders, including a high-stakes rematch with Strickland and a thrilling fight against Israel Adesanya.
As of now, no other matches have been announced for UFC 319, meaning this championship bout will likely be the focal point of the event, drawing significant attention from both fans and analysts in the combat sports community.
The upcoming fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev not only holds weight for the middleweight division but also serves as a milestone for both fighters' careers. Each competitor has demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience, making the stakes incredibly high for this title bout. Whether you are a fan of Chimaev’s aggressive fighting style or captivated by Du Plessis’ tactical prowess, UFC 319 looks to be a must-watch event for anyone interested in the future direction of the middleweight division.
Be sure to mark your calendars for UFC 319 in Chicago, as it will feature a clash of titans that could redefine the landscape of mixed martial arts. The matchup between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is set to thrill fans on a grand scale, bringing together two of the most exciting fighters in the sport today.
