Bookmakers show Dricus du Plessis NO love for UFC 319 fight
This highly anticipated clash will headline the event, pitting Du Plessis's explosive striking and cardio against Chimaev's dominant wrestling and submission game.
Du Plessis (22-2), South Africa's first UFC champion, enters the octagon on the back of a commanding decision victory over Sean Strickland in their rematch earlier this year.
With 19 of his 22 career wins coming by stoppage, Du Plessis has earned a reputation for aggression, resilience, and relentless pressure.
Chimaev (14-0), representing Chechnya and Sweden, earned his shot at the belt with a stunning first-round submission of former champion Robert Whittaker, quelling doubts about his activity and legitimacy in the division.
Known for overwhelming opponents early, questions persist about his endurance over five rounds – particularly following grueling contests with Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Du Plessis, however, has made it clear that he is preparing for a full-length title fight and not banking on Chimaev fading late.
'You don't bargain on somebody else's weakness when you go and fight,' Du Plessis said.
'When the ref says 'fight,' I'm fighting as hard as I can for as long as I can.'
The bout marks a high-stakes clash not only of styles but of continents, with South Africa and Chechnya represented in one of the most intriguing matchups in recent UFC middleweight history.
The UFC 319 Du Plessis vs Chimaev card is scheduled to start with the early preliminaries at midnight SA time.
The main prelims start at 02:00 (SA time) on Sunday, 17 August.
The UFC 319 main card will begin coverage at 04:00 (SA time).
Main event cage walks are estimated to take place at 06:00 (SA time), but could be later depending on other fights. Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez
Lightweight: Edson Barboza vs Drakkar Klose
Middleweight: Bryan Battle vs Nursulton Ruziboev
Flyweight: Karine Silva vs Dione Barbosa
Welterweight: Rodrigo Sezinando vs Daniil Donchenko
Flyweight: Alibi Idiris vs Joseph Morales Main preliminary card is as follows: Lightweight: King Green vs Diego Ferreira
Middleweight: Gerald Meerschaert vs Michał Oleksiejczuk
Strawweight: Jessica Andrade vs Loopy Godinez
Lightweight: Chase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez UFC 319 main card is as follows: Middleweight Title Fight: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev
Featherweight: Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico
Welterweight: Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates
Middleweight: Jared Cannonier vs Michael 'Venom' Page
Flyweight: Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura
According to leading South African bookmakers Betway, Chimaev is a 19/50 favourite to dethrone Du Plessis, with the South African star on offer at 2/1.
Regardless of outcome, UFC 319 promises fireworks – and could be remembered as one of the most pivotal nights in MMA history.
Khamzat Chimaev to win
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