South Africa's Dricus du Plessis defends his middleweight title for the second time this year when he takes on undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago this weekend. Dricus du Plessis is unbeaten in the UFC and has efficiently risen to the top of the 185-pound class. Khamzat Chimaev stormed the UFC five years ago with three wins in two months. The bookmakers have installed the Russian enigma as a favorite to win and claim middleweight gold.
Bet on Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev with Bet365
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Details
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Time: 23:00 ET
- Venue: United Center, Chicago, IL
Where to Watch Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Live on TV or Stream
| Country | TV Channel/Stream |
|---|---|
| UK | TNT Sports, Discovery+ |
| US | ESPN+ PPV |
| Canada | PPV |
| Africa | Supersport |
| Austarlia | Foxtel, Kayo Sports |
Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Fight Preview
Dricus du Plessis: form and statistics
Dricus du Plessis has absolutely earned his place atop the Middleweight division. He beat Sean Strickland to claim the title in early 2024, winning by split decision. “Stillknocks” then submitted former long-term middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in his first title defense. The 31-year-old rolled it back with Strickland earlier this year, claiming a ninth successive victory in the UFC with an unanimous decision over the former champ. Du Plessis has been criticized for his haphazard fighting style, but it has delivered success to the South African.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 6'0"
- Reach: 76"
- Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
- Record: 23-2
Khamzat Chimaev: form and statistics
From his early appearances in the octagon, it was obvious that Khamzat Chimaev's tenure in the UFC would lead to a championship bout, and the Russian has delivered with devastating precision. "Borz" began his UFC career with quick wins, 10 days apart in his first two fights. He overcame former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman in 2023 before completely dominating former Middleweight king Robert Whittaker and submitting him in the first round last year. Chimaev is an elite grappler who usually focuses on gaining ground control over his opponents before finishing them with his ground and pound.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 31
- Height: 6'2"
- Reach: 75"
- Weight: 185 lbs (84kg)
- Record: 14-0
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Fight Prediction
Two elite grapplers are going to serve up a sensational match at UFC 319. While the odds make Chimaev a huge favorite, the bout is likely to go the distance. All the same, we predict Khamzat Chimaev to win by decision.
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Fight Odds
| Bookmakers | Dricus du Plessis to win | Khamzat Chimaev by submission |
|---|---|---|
| Bet365 | 3.00 | 2.50 |
| 1xbet | 3.21 | 2.2 |
| Betway | 3.21 | 2.2 |
