Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: CHICAGO – The wait is over! Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated phenom who stormed into the UFC with back-to-back wins in just 10 days in 2020, finally gets his long-awaited middleweight title shot against reigning champion Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 at the United Center.
This is a historic clash between two of the most dominant forces in the UFC’s middleweight division. Du Plessis, making his third title defense, has already taken down former champions, while Chimaev looks to cement his legacy with gold around his waist.
Stay tuned to LiveSportz.org for round-by-round updates, expert analysis, and behind-the-scenes coverage of UFC 319!
UFC 319: Fight Card & Start Times
Main Card (PPV – 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT)
- Main Event: Dricus du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev – UFC Middleweight Championship
- Co-Main Event: Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy – Featherweight Bout
- Welterweight Showdown: Vicente Luque vs. Ian Machado Garry
- Women’s Strawweight: Amanda Lemos vs. Virna Jandiroba
- Light Heavyweight: Johnny Walker vs. Anthony Smith
Preliminary Card (ESPN/ESPN+ – 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT)
- Bantamweight: Song Yadong vs. Mario Bautista
- Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira
- Women’s Bantamweight: Macy Chiasson vs. Pannie Kianzad
- Lightweight: Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jamie Mullarkey
Early Prelims (UFC Fight Pass – 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT)
- Middleweight: Phil Hawes vs. Bruno Ferreira
- Welterweight: Orion Cosce vs. Blood Diamond
- Women’s Flyweight: Melissa Gatto vs. Karine Silva
Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Fight Breakdown
Champion’s Path: Du Plessis’ Reign
Dricus du Plessis (21-2) has been on a tear since joining the UFC, defeating four former champions in a row:
- Robert Whittaker (Title Eliminator)
- Sean Strickland (Won the Middleweight Title)
- Israel Adesanya (First Title Defense)
- Sean Strickland (Rematch Victory)
Du Plessis’ unorthodox striking, relentless pressure, and granite chin make him a nightmare for any opponent.
Chimaev’s Road to Gold
Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) has bulldozed through every opponent, including:
- Dominant wins over Gerald Meerschaert, Li Jingliang, and Gilbert Burns
- A hard-fought victory over Kamaru Usman in his middleweight debut
Chimaev’s wrestling pedigree and suffocating top control could be the key to dethroning du Plessis.
Key Factors to Watch
- Chimaev’s Wrestling vs. Du Plessis’ Takedown Defense
- Striking Battle: Power vs. Volume
- Chimaev’s Gas Tank in a 5-Round Fight
Co-Main Event: Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy
Former Bellator standout Aaron Pico makes his highly anticipated UFC debut against unbeaten Lerone Murphy in a featherweight clash.
- Pico’s Strengths: Explosive boxing, elite wrestling
- Murphy’s Edge: Technical striking, fight IQ
This could be a potential Fight of the Night contender.
Post-Fight Press Conference Highlights
After the event, UFC President Dana White will address:
- Potential next matchups for the winner
- Performance bonuses (FOTN, POTN)
- Updates on future UFC events
FAQs: UFC 319 – Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
1. What time does the main event start?
The main card begins at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT, with the main event expected around 12:15 AM ET.
2. Where can I watch UFC 319?
The event is available on PPV via ESPN+. Prelims air on ESPN/ESPN+, and early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.
3. Who is favored to win: Du Plessis or Chimaev?
As of fight night, odds slightly favor Khamzat Chimaev (-150) over Dricus du Plessis (+130).
Final Thoughts
UFC 319 is shaping up to be one of the biggest events of 2025. Will Chimaev fulfill his destiny as champion, or will du Plessis continue his reign of dominance?
