Fireworks at UFC 319 Weigh-Ins: Du Plessis, Chimaev Nearly Clash Before Title Fight

The anticipation for UFC 319 hit a fever pitch Friday night as middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev came face-to-face at the ceremonial weigh-ins and nearly came to blows.

The two were the final fighters to hit the stage at United Center, with the crowd heavily favoring Chimaev. In typical fashion, Chimaev didn’t even remove his shirt, stepping on the scale and unleashing his trademark roar. Du Plessis opted for a full shirt-off pose before stepping down to face his opponent.

That’s when tensions spiked.

Security Steps In

Du Plessis and Chimaev closed the distance aggressively, prompting UFC security to intervene. Even as they were being separated, Chimaev reached through the line to shove du Plessis, igniting a roar from the crowd.

“Just gonna go f*ck this boy up,” Chimaev said into the mic. “One day. He has only one day left. He’s dead tomorrow.”

Champion Fires Back

Booed heavily by the pro-Chimaev crowd, du Plessis kept his composure but made a bold promise.

“He’s an absolute beast of an opponent, but I can tell you this, I’m putting that man to sleep,” du Plessis said. “Whether it be on the ground, whether I knock him out, I’m taking out your boy, and all of you will be cheering. I just know it, like every other time!”

Fight Night Details

UFC 319 takes place Saturday night, with the Pay-Per-View main card beginning at 10 p.m. ET. Du Plessis will look to defend his middleweight crown for the third time, while Chimaev aims to capture UFC gold in his first title opportunity.

With the way weigh-ins played out, fans can expect fireworks as soon as the cage door closes.