Du Plessis vs Chimaev officially announced for UFC 319 by Dana White
UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is set to defend his belt against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev in the headline bout of UFC 319 on 16 August at the United Center in Chicago, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Tuesday.
The event marks the promotion's first return to Chicago since UFC 238 in 2019, and it promises to deliver a high-stakes clash between two of the division's top fighters.
Du Plessis, who has not lost since joining the UFC in 2020, captured the middleweight title by edging Sean Strickland via split decision at UFC 297.
He went on to submit Israel Adesanya in the fourth round at UFC 305 and followed it up with a unanimous decision win over Strickland in their February 2025 rematch at UFC 312.
Meanwhile, Chimaev enters the fight with an unblemished record and growing hype, having delivered eight wins in the UFC, six of them by stoppage.
The Chechen-born star made his strongest case for a title shot by submitting former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308—a performance awarded 2024 Submission of the Year.
Though Chimaev's rise has been marked by sporadic activity due to injuries and visa issues, his dominance when active has kept him firmly in the title conversation.
The upcoming bout against du Plessis offers him his long-awaited chance to claim UFC gold.
UFC 319's full fight card is expected to be announced in the coming weeks, but the main event already has fans and analysts anticipating a potentially career-defining showdown.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
Sports news rail of the day
Top stories Boxing Itauma blows away Whyte News Desk: Moses Itauma needed less than two minutes to emphatically stop Dillian Whyte and further strengthen his credentials as the next heavyweight star. Headlining a card for the first time, the 20-year-old Briton rose to the occasion in what was billed as the biggest test of his career to date. After some precise and powerful combinations, Itauma sent Whyte, 37, down with a thundering right. With 119 seconds on the clock, referee Mikael Hook waved off the fight after Whyte had climbed back to his feet. UFC Murphy stakes title claim NEWS DESK: Britain's Lerone Murphy thrust his name into the featherweight title picture by knocking Aaron Pico out in sensational fashion at UFC 319 in Chicago, Illinois. The 34-year-old, who took the fight on three week's notice, ended the bout with a stunning spinning back elbow in the first round. Victory extended Murphy's winning start to his career to 17 as he called for a title bout with Australian champion Alexander Volkanovski. "This sport's all about moments and I just created one," said Murphy. Iconic In 1992, South Africa great Jonty Rhodes completed the most iconic run out in the history of ODI World Cup Record Corner 264 is the highest individual score in the One-day International cricket held by former India captain Rohit Sharma Trivia How many times Pakistan lifted the Asia Cup trophy? A. Two Side Stories Barcelona beat Mallorca News Desk: Marcus Rashford made his competitive debut as Barcelona started their La Liga title defence with a controversial victory at nine-man Mallorca. Raphinha nodded in the opener following a fine right-wing cross from Lamine Yamal. Ferran Torres smashed in their second goal, while Mallorca captain Antonio Raillo was lying on the ground in the box with a head injury after blocking a Yamal shot. Manu Morlanes, who was booked for dissent in the aftermath of that incident, was shown a second yellow card soon after for a foul on Vedat Muriqi was sent off for a high boot on debutant Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, a decision upgraded from a yellow card after a video assistant referee (VAR) review. Australia beat South Africa NEWS DESK: Australia came from 22-0 down to beat world champions South Africa 38-22 in Johannesburg in the opening match of the Rugby Championship. Joe Schmidt's side appeared to be on their way towards a chastening defeat a quarter of the way through the game but rallied in remarkable fashion to claim their first victory at Ellis Park since 1963. The Springboks dominated the opening 20 minutes and estabished a commanding lead courtesy of tries from Kurt-Lee Arendse, Andre Esterhuizen and captain Siya Kolisi. However, the Wallabies began to take control at the breakdown, with captain Harry Wilson hugely influential and capping a fine display with two tries. All Blacks beat Pumas NEWS DESK: New Zealand held off a second-half fightback to beat Argentina 41-24 in their Rugby Championship opener and return to the top of the world rankings for the first time in four years. Winger Sevu Reece and substitute hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho each scored two tries for the All Blacks who replace world champions South Africa, who were beaten 38-22 by Australia in Johannesburg, as the number one team in the world. The visitors were 10-0 ahead inside the opening 10 minutes in Cordoba thanks to Beauden Barrett's penalty and Reece's first try. Pumas winger Rodrigo Isgro went over to reduce the deficit to three points, but quickfire tries from Ardie Savea, Cortez Ratima and Reece again put New Zealand 31-10 ahead at the break. Invincibles hit record score NEWS DESK: Jordan Cox lit up The Hundred as Oval Invincibles smashed the record for the competition's highest total by piling up 226-4 in an 83-run victory over Welsh Fire. Cox crashed 86 not out from just 29 balls in a thrilling display of six hitting at The Oval and the Invincibles comfortably passed the previous record score - Manchester Originals' 208-5 against Northern Superchargers in 2022. England right-hander Cox hit 10 of the innings' 17 sixes in front of a jubilant home crowd. Openers Tawanda Muyeye and Will Jacks laid a platform of 76 in 39 balls before Cox, after a steady start, exploded into life by hitting four sixes in one set of five balls from Hundred debutant Ajeet Singh Dale. Robertson edges out O'Sullivan News Desk: Neil Robertson beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 10-9 in a classic encounter to claim the Saudi Arabia Masters title in Jeddah. The Australian takes home £500,000 for the 26th ranking title of his career and climbs to third in the world rankings It represents another huge step forward in Robertson's return towards the top of the game. The 2010 world champion started last season outside the top 16 with his career seemingly spiralling, before he enjoyed success at the English Open and World Grand Prix. "Can't explain what this means in words," said Robertson. Brentford seal Ouattara deal NEWS DESK: Brentford have completed a club record deal of up to £42.5m to sign Dango Ouattara from Bournemouth. The Burkina Faso forward joins the Bees on a five-year contract with the option of a further year. The 23-year-old, who scored nine goals in 37 games in all competitions last season, is viewed as a replacement for Bryan Mbeumo, who moved to Manchester United in July. "We're really happy to get Dango in," said Brentford boss Keith Andrews. "He's someone that we were aware and surprised could be available and, once we knew that signing him might be a possibility, we really focused on trying to get him. MacIntyre retains BMW Champ lead NEWS DESK: Robert MacIntyre will take a four-shot lead into the final day of the BMW Championship in Maryland after keeping world number one Scottie Scheffler at bay at Caves Valley. While the Scot's putting and imperious iron play helped him construct a five-stroke advantage over the first two days, he maintained a healthy advantage on Saturday with some par saves before dropping in a 41-foot birdie on the 18th to sign for a two-under 68. MacIntyre, who appeared to relish the pressure of playing alongside American Scheffler, who carded a 67 and at one stage was within three, made a scrambling par after playing out of trees and bushes near the fifth green. Rangers seal last-eight spot NEWS DESK: Much-changed Rangers delivered an unconvincing performance as they beat League 1 Alloa Athletic to reach the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup, where they will face either Livingston or Hibernian at Ibrox. Head coach Russell Martin made 10 changes from the side beaten 2-1 by Viktoria Plzen on Tuesday, with only centre-back Nasser Djiga keeping his place. They started brightly in front of their own fans, with debutant Mikey Moore lively down the left flank, and took the lead through a superb strike from Nedim Bajrami that found the top corner via the crossbar. However, Rangers' defensive frailties shone through again as Alloa found a shock equaliser. Top Quote Amorim: I want to apologise for this season…Today after this disaster season I want to tell you: The good days are coming Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is optimistic to make it up in the new Premier League season Side Quote Du Plessis: It wasn't a matter of strength; it wasn't physical; it was almost like he knew what your next move was. Former UFC Champion Dricus Du Plessis praises Khamzat Chimaev after a gutsy performance at UFC 319
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Chimaev defeats Du Plessis to win UFC title
A record number of strikes and several submission attempts were enough for Khamzat Chimaev to win the UFC Middleweight Championship over Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision at UFC 319 on Saturday night. By taking all three cards by 50-44 scores, the 31-year-old Russian remained unbeaten at 15-0 despite what was a largely supportive sold-out United Center crowd turning to jeers as the fight went on. 'I am happy, always,' Chimaev said post-fight. 'I never have a game plan, just go in and work like I do in the gym. That guy [Du Plessis] is strong. I couldn't finish. I respect that guy. He is the only champion that would say my name. This guy has big heart.' Chimaev also landed 529 strikes in the match, breaking Max Holloway's UFC record of 447 set in 2021, according to ESPN. His plus-484 striking differential also set a record, breaking Holloway's mark of plus-312 in that same 2021 match against Calvin Klatter. The South African Du Plessis (23-3) was on the canvas within the match's first 10 seconds and the defending champion was on the defensive throughout the match. 'All credit to Khamzat,' Du Plessis, 31, said after the fight. 'He beat me fair and square.' With a crowded middleweight title-contender pool in front of him, Chimaev said he was spending at least one night enjoying his breakthrough win. 'I'm going to go back to the hotel, joke with my friends and enjoy this victory,' Chimaev said. Chimaev, who joined the UFC in 2020 and has previously defeated former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, was rarely threatened against Du Plessis, and despite being denied a finish by the South African he relentlessly took down the defending champion in the opening minute of every round. He converted 12 of 17 takedown attempts and spent 84% of the 25-minute fight in control of Du Plessis, UFC match data show. Du Plessis's only moment to stage a come-from-behind victory came in the final round when he spun his way on top of his tiring opponent and executed a guillotine. However, his attempt was short lived as, Chimaev fought his way out and again regain control of the champion until the final bell. 'The man has incredible control on top,' Du Plessis said. 'It wasn't a matter of strength; it wasn't physical; it was almost like he knew what your next move was. I could almost taste that victory [with the guillotine choke hold], but he beat me fair and square. He was the better man tonight. I'll be coming to get my belt back, but for now, it's his. He deserves it.' The rest of the main card saw Lerone Murphy and Carlos Prates deliver spinning back elbow knockouts of Aaron Pico and Geoff Neal, respectively. England's Murphy (17-0-1) stayed unbeaten in the featherweight division with his win at 3:21 of the first round. Prates, who turns 32 on Sunday, ended his fight with one second remaining in the opening round of their bout in the 170-pound weight class. Middleweight Michael Page's two knockdowns were enough to secure a unanimous decision win over Jared Cannonier, and flyweight Tim Elliott secured a guillotine choke submission win over Kai Asakura at 4:39 of Round 2. With inputs from Reuters. UFC 319 results: Lerone Murphy def. Aaron Pico Carlos Prates def. Geoff Neal Michael Page def. Jared Cannonier Tim Elliott def. Kai Asakura Baisangur Susurkaev def. Eric Nolan Michal Oleksiejczuk def. Gerald Meerschaert Loopy Godinez def. Jessica Andrade Alexander Hernandez def. Chase Hooper Darkkar Klose def. Edson Barboza Karine Silva def. Dione Barbosa Joseph Morales def. Alibi Idiris
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
UFC 319 predictions as Du Plessis v Chimaev grabs attention
All eyes will be on the middleweight championship bout between champion Dricus du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev as UFC 319 takes over Chicago. Du Plessis, famous for an awkward style, will be entering the octagon again one of the most feared fighters in the division Chimaev. Chimaev ripped through the competition in his first few UFC bouts, immediately making himself into a man many believed was destined for UFC gold. He has some health and travel issues early on in his career, but now he is finally on track for his much-awaited title bout. With so much happening on Saturday night, let's look closer at the full fight card with the latest odds before we get to our staff predictions and picks for the PPV portion of the festivities. Some predictions of the fight: Campbell: Du Plessis Brookhouse: Du Plessis Mahjouri: Du Plessis Mormile: Du Plessis Wise: Chimaev Du Plessis claimed the title with a win over Sean Strickland at the start of last year. Meanwhile, Chimaev hasn't fought since his win over former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 last October, in a devastating performance that saw him dislocate the New Zealander's jaw in a first-round submission. It is worth mentioning here, the South African has already established himself as an all-time great middleweight who keeps climbing that ladder. His signature ultra-awkward and wild striking has disrupted everyone put in front of him in the UFC. However, against Chimaev, the best offensive grappling is defensive, which is what the champion needs to showcase, as the relentless Chechen will waste no time going at him. UFC 319 start time UFC 319 takes place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday Aug. 16. The main card gets going at 9 p.m. CDT local time (10 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. PT). US and Canada The main card starts Aug. 16, 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT). The prelims start Aug. 16, 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT). The early prelims start Aug. 16, 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT). UK The main card starts Aug. 17, 3 a.m. BST. The prelims start Aug. 17, 1 a.m. BST. The early prelims start Aug. 16, 11 p.m. BST.
