Khamzat Chimaev returns and facing middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in Chicago

16 August 2025 - 4:05 pm

Khamzat Chimaev returns at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, facing middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in Chicago.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis: UFC 319 Set for a Chicago Showdown

Khamzat Chimaev’s long-awaited title shot is finally here. The undefeated star will face middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 on August 16, 2025. With two unstoppable forces colliding in Chicago, fans are bracing for a night of chaos and history.

How Did He Get Here So Fast?

Chimaev earned this shot after wrecking former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 last October. First-round face crank, Whittaker tapping, jaw busted — it was brutal. That win pushed his record to 14-0, with eight UFC fights that have barely even lasted 49 minutes total. Six first-round finishes. Four “Performance of the Night” bonuses. The guy doesn’t just win; he makes it look unfair.

Who Exactly is Dricus du Plessis?

Du Plessis isn’t just holding the belt — he’s earned it. He beat Sean Strickland for the title, then defended it against Israel Adesanya (submitting him, which is still wild to say out loud) and took out Strickland again in a rematch. That makes him one of the toughest champs the middleweight division has seen in a while. He’s awkward, scrappy, and ridiculously durable — the kind of guy who doesn’t go away no matter how many punches you land.

Why This Fight Feels Different

This isn’t just another title fight. It’s one of those rare moments where two freight trains collide. Chimaev blitzes people from the first bell, du Plessis thrives in the grind. One’s pure chaos, the other thrives in ugly wars. Honestly, I can’t picture this fight being boring. Chicago fans haven’t had a UFC event since 2019, and they’re about to lose their voices halfway through the prelims, long before these two even touch gloves.

While all eyes are on Chimaev vs. du Plessis, the undercard has some heat too:

  • Lerone Murphy vs. Aaron Pico (co-main, featherweight) – Pico’s long-awaited UFC debut.

  • Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (welterweight war).

  • Jared Cannonier vs. Michael “MVP” Page (middleweight fireworks).

  • Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura (flyweight chaos).