Khamzat Chimaev’s Subsequent Combat: Undefeated combined martial artist Khamzat Chimaev will problem middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis for the UFC title on August 16 at UFC 319 in Chicago. The occasion takes place on the United Heart and marks Chimaev’s first bout of 2025.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Next Fight
The championship bout serves as the main event of UFC 319, with the principle card scheduled to start at 10 PM ET. Chimaev enters the battle because the betting favourite at -220, whereas du Plessis holds +180 odds. Each fighters are 31 years previous and convey undefeated data of their current UFC campaigns.
Chimaev’s Path to the Title Shot
Chimaev earned his title opportunity following a dominant first-round submission victory over former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in October 2024. The Russian fighter utilized a face crank that compelled Whittaker to faucet at 3:34 of the primary spherical, with experiences indicating the submission brought about harm to Whittaker’s jaw.
The victory extended Chimaev’s excellent skilled document to 14-0, together with his UFC mark standing at 8-0. His UFC profession has been exceptional for its effectivity, with six of his eight Octagon victories ending within the first spherical. Chimaev holds 4 Efficiency of the Night time bonuses and has accrued simply 48 minutes and 41 seconds of whole battle time throughout his eight UFC appearances.
Championship Context
Du Plessis captured the middleweight title from Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024 and has efficiently defended it twice. His title defenses got here towards Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, the place he turned the primary fighter to submit the previous champion, and a rematch victory over Strickland at UFC 312.
The South African champion represents the 15th person to hold the UFC middleweight title in the division’s history. A victory over Chimaev would make du Plessis simply the fourth middleweight champion to realize three title defenses, becoming a member of Anderson Silva, Israel Adesanya, and Chris Weidman.
Fight Card and Broadcast Information
The UFC 319 main card will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view, with preliminary fights airing on ESPN. The co-main event features featherweight contenders Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico, with Pico making his UFC debut.
Additional main card fights include Geoff Neal versus Carlos Prates at welterweight, Jared Cannonier against Michael Page at middleweight, and Tim Elliott going through Kai Asakura at flyweight. The occasion marks the UFC’s eighth go to to Chicago and first since UFC 238 in June 2019.
UFC 319
For Chimaev, the fight represents the culmination of his rapid rise since joining the UFC in July 2020. The Russian-born fighter has consistently called for title opportunities, stating after his Whittaker victory that “all the champions are running” from him.
Du Plessis enters the fight seeking to establish himself among the division’s elite champions. His rise from prospect to champion has been swift, with his first UFC title shot coming just over three years after his promotional debut. The champion has shown durability and well-rounded skills across his title reign, defeating former champions and top contenders.
