UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting events of 2025 as the middleweight title is on the line at the United Center in Chicago on August 16. The main event is a battle between champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. This UFC 319 preview goes in depth on the main event, key matchups and what to expect from this big time MMA fight. Both fighters bring different skills and never give up attitude so this fight will change the middleweight division. Let’s get into it and see why UFC 319 is a must see for MMA fans.
Why UFC 319 Is a Can’t-Miss Event
UFC 319 is back in Chicago for the first time since 2019 and the card is loaded. UFC 319 Preview – Main event is Dricus Du Plessis, the South African beast, defending his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev, the grappling and striking machine who has never lost. This is more than a title fight, it’s a clash of styles and unrelenting will. Co main event is Jared Cannonier vs Michael Venom Page and a bunch of other great fights. Whether you’re a die hard MMA fan or a casual viewer, this has something for everyone.
Event Details at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Location: United Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET (3 a.m. GMT in the UK)
- How to Watch: ESPN+ PPV (main card), ESPN/ESPN+ (prelims)
- Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight Title)
Dricus Du Plessis: The Reigning Champion’s Journey
Dricus Du Plessis has been a beast in the UFC middleweight division. 23-2 overall and 9-0 in the UFC, he’s beaten some of the biggest names in the sport. He won the middleweight title with a split decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024. Since then he’s defended his title twice against Israel Adesanya and Strickland again at UFC 305 and UFC 312 respectively.
What makes Du Plessis so scary is his unorthodox style. Chaotic and effective, he combines big striking with relentless pressure. He can mix up his attacks and stay calm under fire and that makes him a nightmare for opponents. At UFC 312 he showed more control, landing more precise strikes and neutralizing Strickland’s offense. Du Plessis is feeling good going into UFC 319 and is boldly saying he’s not afraid of Chimaev’s wrestling and plans to take the fight to him wherever it goes.
Du Plessis’ Strengths
- Striking Versatility: Combines punches, kicks, and elbows with unpredictable angles.
- Resilience: Has never been finished in the UFC, showcasing incredible durability.
- Fight IQ: Adapts mid-fight to exploit opponents’ weaknesses.
- Momentum: Undefeated since 2018, with nine straight UFC wins.
Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Contender
Khamzat Chimaev 14-0 is one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. The Chechen born, UAE based fighter burst onto the scene in 2020 with 3 stoppage wins in just over 2 months including a record 10 day turnaround between wins. His first round submission of former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in October 2024 solidified his top contender status. Chimaev’s elite wrestling, relentless grappling and vicious striking makes him a nightmare to deal with.
Despite being dominant Chimaev’s career has been plagued with health issues including near retirement in 2020 due to COVID 19 complications. His activity has been inconsistent but when he steps into the Octagon he’s almost unstoppable. Chimaev’s wrestling is often his greatest weapon with opponents struggling to deal with his takedowns. But his striking has also improved as seen in his quick finishes against high level competition.
Chimaev’s Strengths
- Elite Grappling: Uses suffocating wrestling to control and submit opponents.
- Explosive Striking: Delivers devastating knockouts with precision and power.
- Undefeated Record: 8-0 in the UFC with six finishes, showcasing his dominance.
- Intimidation Factor: His relentless pace and confidence unnerve opponents.
Head-to-Head: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Breakdown
The main event is a striker vs grappler fight but both fighters bring more to the table than their primary skill suggests. Du Plessis has said he’s not afraid of Chimaev’s wrestling and won’t back down from the ground. Chimaev’s recent fights have shown he can end fights with strikes as well as submissions. Here’s how they match up:
- Striking: Du Plessis has the edge in striking, more output and combinations. Chimaev’s striking is powerful but raw, explosive bursts.
- Grappling: Chimaev is the better grappler, has a wrestling background that’s kept Whittaker pinned. Du Plessis has good takedown defense but hasn’t faced a wrestler like Chimaev.
- Cardio: Both are known for their pace but Chimaev’s aggressive style can lead to early fatigue if the fight goes into later rounds.
- Experience: Du Plessis has more UFC fights and recent title defenses, he’s been in high pressure situations. Chimaev’s inactivity could be a factor but he’s dominant.
Former champion Robert Whittaker who has fought both fighters believes the fight comes down to Chimaev’s ability to take Du Plessis down. If Du Plessis can keep it standing his striking could lead to a late finish as Israel Adesanya predicted. But if Chimaev can take him down early he could dominate and win the title. Check more about Robert Whittaker’s Retirement Plan.
UFC 319 Preview : Key Matchups on the UFC 319 Card
And then there’s the undercard. Here are the highlights:
- Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Venom Page (Middleweight): Co-main event with two strikers. Cannonier’s knockout power vs Page’s flashy, unorthodox style. Title implications.
- Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura (Flyweight): High pace flyweight fight with Elliott’s grappling vs Asakura’s striking.
- Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose (Lightweight): Barboza back at lightweight in a fan friendly fight against the tough Klose.
- Jessica Andrade vs. Loopy Godinez (Women’s Strawweight): Aggression vs technique with both fighters known for their pace.
- Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight): Rebooked fight with both looking to move up the rankings.
The preliminary card also features exciting bouts like King Green vs. Diego Ferreira and Gerald Meerschaert vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk, ensuring non-stop action from start to finish.
What to Watch For at UFC 319
UFC 319 is more than just a title fight—it’s a big moment for the middleweight division. A Du Plessis win would cement his legacy as one of the all time greats, a Chimaev win would be the start of a new reign. The co-main and undercard fights have big implications for their respective divisions so new contenders could emerge.
Betting Odds and Predictions
- Du Plessis (+150) vs. Chimaev (-180): Chimaev is the favorite due to his undefeated record and dominance. But Du Plessis is a live underdog with his resilience and striking.
- Prediction: Too close to call. If Du Plessis can survive the early rounds and avoid the takedowns he could get a late knockout. If Chimaev can keep the pressure on he could get the submission in the first two rounds.
Fans should also keep an eye on the co-main event, as a win for either Cannonier or Page could position them as the next title challenger.
How to Watch UFC 319
UFC 319 will be live on ESPN+ PPV for the main card, with prelims on ESPN and ESPN+. Main card starts at 10pm ET, prelims at 7pm ET. In the UK, tune in to TNT Sports at 3am GMT. Tickets available through Ticketmaster, UFC Fight Club members and newsletter subscribers get early access.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss UFC 319
UFC 319 is looking to be one of the best MMA events of 2025 with Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev going head to head for the middleweight title. From the main event drama to a stacked undercard of vets and prospects, this is a can’t miss for fight fans. Will Du Plessis keep his title or will Chimaev’s undefeated streak get him the gold? August 16th.
Call to Action: Get ready for UFC 319 by subscribing to ESPN+ for live coverage or securing your tickets to witness the action live in Chicago. Share your predictions for Du Plessis vs. Chimaev in the comments below, and follow our blog for more UFC fight previews and MMA updates!