The UFC has locked in a massive middleweight title bout for this summer. Dricus Du Plessis will put his belt on the line against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319, scheduled for August 16 in Chicago. This will be the UFC’s first return to the United Center in over five years.
Du Plessis looks to extend his dominance
The South African champion has been on a tear since capturing the belt. He edged out Sean Strickland in a split decision at UFC 297, then followed up with a submission win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305. In February, he beat Strickland again in a unanimous decision to solidify his place at the top of the division.
With an unbeaten UFC record and a fighting style built on pressure and durability, Du Plessis has become one of the most consistent champions in the sport. His next test could be his toughest yet.
Chimaev’s first title shot finally arrives
After years of hype and setbacks, Khamzat Chimaev is finally getting his shot at gold. The Chechen-born fighter has racked up 14 straight wins without a loss, including a dominant submission over Robert Whittaker in late 2024. That performance erased doubts about his readiness for a title run.
This will be Chimaev’s first fight in the United States since he submitted Kevin Holland back in 2022. Between injuries and visa delays, he’s been off the radar for much of the past year. But his undefeated record and aggressive style have kept him in the title conversation.
UFC 319 shaping up as a must-watch card
There’s a lot at stake in this matchup. Du Plessis is looking to defend his title for the third time, while Chimaev is aiming to become one of the few fighters in recent memory to win UFC gold while still undefeated. Their styles make for an explosive clash. Du Plessis tends to grind down opponents over rounds, while Chimaev often overwhelms them early.
The UFC has not yet confirmed the full fight card for UFC 319, but this main event is already enough to draw serious attention. Fans have been calling for this matchup since early 2023, and now they finally get it.
Whether Du Plessis extends his reign or Chimaev claims his first UFC belt, one thing is certain. The middleweight division will look very different after August 16.
