The mega Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight showdown between champion Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is just 10 days away (Aug. 16, 2025), set to electrify UFC 319 inside the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Undefeated Chechen star Chimaev is already planning his next move. Fans expect a thrilling battle given the fighters’ contrasting styles—Du Plessis’s gritty, unorthodox approach versus Chimaev’s relentless aggression—but “Borz” is gunning for a quick finish as always and eyeing a return to the Octagon just two months later at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
“I hope there is no injury and nothing happens in the fight, so I can fight in Abu Dhabi,” Chimaev told the media during an open workout. “Maybe defend the belt, maybe fight someone else….It wasn’t my bad or my fault that [ I was inactive]. Everyone knows I didn’t have a visa to the U.S., that’s why I didn’t fight. That’s why I only fought one in Abu Dhabi. Now, Donald Trump here, so we go for fights.”
UFC CEO Dana White loves active champions, often praising fighters who stay busy. If Chimaev delivers, it’ll be fascinating to see how the UFC accommodates his ambition.
First, though, Chimaev must conquer Du Plessis, who’s chasing his third title defense and looking sharper than ever, despite his unconventional goober style.
Make no mistake: the Middleweight division could be turned upside down after Saturday night in “The Windy City.”
To see who else is fighting at UFC 319 click here.
