Chimaev vs DDP headlines UFC 319 in Chicago. Khamzat Chimaev battles defending champion Dricus Du Plessis inside a large-stakes middleweight title combat. Preview the most crucial card, rumors, odds, controversies, and what this means with the division.
UFC 319 Headliners & Card Context
UFC 319 will unfold on August sixteen, 2025, for the United Centre in Chicago, marking the advertising’s 1st return to the city due to the fact UFC 238. The middleweight title principal function pits undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev towards champion Dricus Du Plessis. This fight anchors a compelling battle card created for effects.
Staredowns with the official UFC 319 push meeting illustrated fierce depth, placing the tone for any showdown that followers have very long predicted.
Spotlight on Khamzat Chimaev — The Challenger’s Journey
Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev, undefeated at 14–0, is one of MMA’s most feared finishers. Notably, he electrified fans by publishing Robert Whittaker using a unusual initially-spherical deal with-crank—earning a functionality reward.
His UFC debut on U.S. soil considering the fact that 2022 will come laden with complications—visa concerns tied to political controversy brought on extended delays—and demanded significant-stage diplomatic enable to resolve.
Chimaev's ambition transcends the current: he has vocalized a wish to become A 3-division winner, eyeing welterweight and light heavyweight crowns future.
The winner: Dricus Du Plessis (DDP)
Du Plessis is entering the cage undefeated during the UFC, getting secured dominant wins around leading-tier opponents like Sean Strickland, Robert Whittaker, and Israel Adesanya. He stands like a specific, resilient, and gritty champion — as well as a as well as-funds choose in early betting.
Notably, Israel Adesanya—however to begin with crucial—voiced respect for DDP’s grit, suggesting “he finds a method” to get stressed.
Undercard Shuffles & Added Drama
UFC 319’s undercard endured disruptions:
The light-weight King eco-friendly vs. Diego Ferreira bout was canceled as a result of environmentally friendly’s harm.
A TUF 33 welterweight last also collapsed hrs before the party.
In reaction, A final-moment middleweight combat that includes Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan was included.
Despite the shakeups, the co-main function stays stacked, with Bellator veteran Aaron Pico making his UFC debut towards Lerone Murphy. Other standout clashes include Michael “Venom” site vs. Jared Cannonier, and Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates.
Odds & Predictions
Betting traces heavily favor Chimaev (approx. –210), even though Du Plessis is +a hundred and seventy.
DraftKings props lean towards KO/TKO or conclusion outcomes.
lovers on Tapology are approximately break up, having a slight edge to Chimaev (53% vs. forty seven%).
Strategic Match-Up & admirer Investigation
Chimaev provides explosive strain, sizing, and elite grappling; he’s the intense danger who may have intimidated elites in advance of. DDP counters with championship composure, more info tenacity, and assorted putting. Analysts from “No Bets Barred” underline the unpredictability and high payoff of this main party.
revenue & Broadcast Notes
The struggle will air on ESPN+ pay-for every-view at ten p.m. ET, with prelims commencing at six p.m. on ESPN platforms.
a fresh Paramount broadcast deal promises wider visibility for UFC’s major party of your summer season.