Betting Odds and Early Predictions for Du Plessis vs Chimaev Match-up: 319 Showdown
reddit, here's a fresh take on the upcoming Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Middleweight title bout at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025 in Chicago:
UFC 319: A Middleweight Showdown in the Windy City
Gear up, MMA fanatics! On August 16, 2025, Chicago hosts a tantalizing title fight as Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev collide in the octagon. Mark it down, as this is one bout you won't want to miss!
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the booking earlier this week, ending months of speculation over this much-talked-about matchup. United Center, with a 22,000-capacity, will be the venue for this championship showdown that's set to headline UFC 319.
So, let's dive into the early odds, key stats, and predictions for the Du Plessis vs Chimaev spectacle:
Du Plessis vs Chimaev Odds
Initially, Khamzat Chimaev is sitting comfortable as the -198 favorite against Dricus Du Plessis. Translating to about a 66.4% implied probability, Chimaev's victory seems likely. A $198 wager on Chimaev will net you $100 (plus your stake back).
With the championship title, Du Plessis enters the arena as a fearless underdog at +164. A $100 bet on Du Plessis would give you a tidy return of $164 (plus your stake).
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So Why the Favorite Tag for Chimaev?
In a nutshell, the betting market is smitten by Chimaev's dominating performances, which have made him a betting fave in every single UFC fight to date. With a sparkling 14-0 record that boasts eight straight UFC victories, seven of which are finishes, Chimaev showcases an unnerving level of skill and ferocity.
His most recent win, a first-round submission of former champion Robert Whittaker, left many shaken, with Whittaker requiring jaw surgery after the bout.
Du Plessis' Analysis
Carrying a 23-2 record into the ring, Du Plessis is aiming for a third successful title defense. He conquered the middleweight belt in early 2024 after a split decision over Sean Strickland and has since defended it twice. He now finds himself fifth in the UFC's pound-for-pound rankings.
Du Plessis is currently on an incredible eleven-fight win streak, boasting a 9-0 UFC record. He's the first South African fighter to claim a UFC championship and has talked up his chances against Chimaev, telling CBS Sports: "I'm not scared of Khamzat's wrestling. I'm going to fight Khamzat wherever the fight goes."
Du Plessis vs Chimaev: The Nitty-Gritty
- Longer Average Fight Time: Du Plessis usually rings the bell longer (13:45 average) compared to Chimaev (6:05 average), so stamina could play a pivotal role if the championship battle goes the distance.
UFC 319: The Lowdown
The event will fall on August 16, 2025 in the Windy City—the UFC's first visit to Chicago since 2019. The action-packed card will be available to viewers via pay-per-view, commencing at 7:00 PM.
This will mark Chimaev's first US appearance since September 2022, following a busy stint in Abu Dhabi where he secured wins against various former champions.
A stand-by opponent, Nassourdine Imavov, has been lined up for both fighters should they be unable to compete on time. Imavov currently ranks as the #1 contender after enjoying a four-fight winning streak that includes a knockout of former champion Israel Adesanya earlier this year.
Predictions and Prop Bets
- Keep an eye on the betting lines as we move closer to fight night. If the betting community continues to pour money on the unbeaten Chimaev, based on his formidable wrestling and submission skills, we might witness Chimaev's odds shortening further.
- Du Plessis, however, has proven his doubters wrong throughout his UFC career and could see betting action pick up as analysis emerges—recognizing his well-rounded skillset and championship experience, potentially tightening these odds.
- In a nutshell, my early prediction goes to Chimaev via submission in the early rounds. It's an educated guess, given his exceptional grappling and submission abilities. However, Du Plessis' grit and adaptability have been evident through his UFC tenure, making this middleweight title fight one of the most intriguing we've seen in a long time.
So, grab your popcorn and prepare for an exciting Middleweight title showdown on August 16 at UFC 319! good luck!
Note: Expert predictions are subject to change as more analysis becomes available. The enrichment data provides some early insights from MMA analysts and experts.
And remember, if you're looking to wager on UFC 319, why not try your luck at FanDuel Sportsbook, BETMGM Sportsbook, Bet365 Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, or Caesars Sportsbook?
- With a comfortable -198 favorite status, Khamzat Chimaev has an implied probability of around 66.4%, according to the early odds for the Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Middleweight title bout at UFC 319.
- For those thinking about placing a wager, a $198 bet on Chimaev would net you $100 (plus your stake back) if he wins.
- As the underdog, Dricus Du Plessis is currently listed at +164, meaning a $100 bet on him would give you a return of $164 (plus your stake).
- In this anticipated Middleweight showdown at UFC 319, Dana White has confirmed that Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev will compete, marking Chimaev's first US appearance since September 2022.
