UFC Event 319 - Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Comprehensive Guide - Containing fight card, date, odds, starting time, location
UFC 319 Preview: Khamzat Chimaev Challenges Dricus Du Plessis for Middleweight Title
The UFC returns to Chicago on August 16 for UFC 319, a highly-anticipated event featuring a middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and defending champion Dricus Du Plessis.
Chimaev, an undefeated fighter with a record of 14-0, is favored to clinch the title with odds of -220, while Du Plessis, who enters the fight with a nine-fight winning streak, is the underdog at +180.
This fight marks a significant milestone for Chimaev, who could become the first undefeated middleweight champion in UFC history. Du Plessis, on the other hand, is aiming for his fourth title defense to cement his place in UFC middleweight records.
In their previous outings, Chimaev delivered a dominant performance, winning decisively and taking the belt from Du Plessis. Despite opportunities, Chimaev paced himself and focused on working methodically rather than ending the fight early.
The co-main event features Aaron Pico, a highly touted PFL and Bellator alum, making his short notice UFC debut against ranked featherweight Lerone Murphy. This fight is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET and can be watched on ESPN+ PPV.
Other notable fights on the card include Loopy Godinez vs. Jessica Andrade in a women's strawweight fight, Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez in a lightweight fight, and Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal in a welterweight fight.
In addition to these fights, UFC recently announced a landmark media rights agreement in an exclusive partnership, nixing the PPV model. This development is set to change the way fans access UFC events moving forward.
With the UFC's latest PPV event in Chicago, fans are eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated middleweight title fight between Chimaev and Du Plessis.
Odds Prior to the Fight:
- Dricus Du Plessis: +200 (underdog)
- Khamzat Chimaev: Favored (exact odds not fully detailed, but implied by the upset expectations)
Title Implications:
- Khamzat Chimaev becomes the new UFC middleweight champion, notably as an undefeated fighter—a rare feat in UFC middleweight history.
- Dricus Du Plessis, who was aiming for his fourth title defense to climb higher on the UFC middleweight records, was dethroned.
Fight Card:
- Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev (Middleweight Title Fight)
- Co-Main Event: Aaron Pico vs. Lerone Murphy (Featherweight Match)
- Loopy Godinez vs. Jessica Andrade (Women's Strawweight Fight)
- Chase Hooper vs. Alexander Hernandez (Lightweight Fight)
- Carlos Prates vs. Geoff Neal (Welterweight Fight)
- Michal Oleksiejczuk vs. Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight Fight)
- Bryan Battle vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (Middleweight Fight)
- Edson Barboza vs. Drakkar Klose (Lightweight Fight)
- Karine Silva vs. Dione Barbosa (Women's Flyweight Fight)
- Michael Page vs. Jared Cannonier (Middleweight Fight)
- Kai Asakara vs. Tim Elliot (Flyweight Fight)
This fight solidifies Chimaev’s status as a top UFC middleweight and a dominant force in the division moving forward. With Du Plessis's recent victories against former champions, fans are excited to see how this highly anticipated matchup unfolds.
- The general sports and mixed-martial-arts news has been abuzz about the upcoming UFC 319 event in Chicago, with Khamzat Chimaev as the favored contender to win the middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis.
- As Chimaev aims to become the first undefeated middleweight champion in UFC history, Du Plessis seeks to defend his title and secure a place in UFC records with his fourth title defense.
- In the event of a Chimaev victory, he will solidify his status as a top UFC middleweight and a dominant force in the division, while a Du Plessis win might delay his climb to the top of UFC middleweight records.
