Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev headlines UFC 319

A middleweight title fight will headline the UFC 319 fight card on August 16. Champion Dricus Du Plessis puts his title on the line against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at the United Center in Chicago. The fight promotion made the announcement on Tuesday.

Du Plessis (23-2) defended the 185-pound championship for the second time at UFC 312 in February, defeating former champion Sean Strickland in dominating fashion. He captured the title by narrowly defeating Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024. Some believed Strickland should have been declared the winner. Du Plessis left no doubts in the rematch. 

Chimaev (14-0) will enter the middleweight title bout coming off a first-round finish over former champion Robert Whittaker in his last fight. Prior to the UFC 312 rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland, Du Plessis stated that he'd rather take on Chimaev, who he believed deserved it more.

The fight will be the third title defense of Du Plessis' championship reign. His last four fights have been against former champions: Whittaker, Strickland (twice), and Israel Adesanya.

Chimaev has been labeled a future champion since his arrival in the organization in July 2020. On Aug. 16 he'll have the opportunity to live up to those expectations.