UFC fans, mark your calendars — a blockbuster title fight is officially set. Khamzat Chimaev is scheduled to face reigning middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319, marking Chimaev’s first-ever shot at UFC gold. The event is already shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated cards of the year.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev — the date, location, backstory, and what’s at stake for both fighters.
đź“… Date, Time, and Location
- Event: UFC 319
- Main Event: Dricus Du Plessis (c) vs. Khamzat Chimaev – UFC Middleweight Title
- Date: Saturday, August 17, 2025
- Time: Main card starts at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT
- Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
This will be a pay-per-view (PPV) event broadcast exclusively via ESPN+ in the U.S. and UFC Fight Pass globally.
🧬 The Story Behind the Fight
🔥 Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Contender
Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in UFC history. Known for his ferocious grappling, one-sided victories, and undeniable star power, Chimaev has torn through both the welterweight and middleweight divisions with ease.
His recent victory over former champion Robert Whittaker in a title eliminator bout solidified his status as the No. 1 contender for the middleweight belt. Chimaev’s rise has been meteoric — and now, he finally gets his shot at UFC gold.
🛡️ Dricus Du Plessis: The Champion No One Saw Coming
Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis (21-2) shocked the MMA world when he defeated Sean Strickland at UFC 297 to become the middleweight champion. A South African powerhouse with a relentless pace and unorthodox striking, Du Plessis has quietly silenced every doubter on his way to the top.
This title defense against Chimaev will be his first as champion, and he’s made it clear — he’s not afraid of the hype.
⚖️ Clash of Styles: Grappler vs. Striker
This matchup pits Chimaev’s elite wrestling and relentless pressure against Du Plessis’ unorthodox striking, durability, and cardio. On paper, it’s a fascinating clash of styles that could go either way.
- Chimaev is expected to try to dominate early with takedowns and ground-and-pound.
- Du Plessis, however, thrives in chaos and has proven his ability to weather early storms and finish strong.
MMA analysts are already calling this a potential Fight of the Year candidate, and for good reason.
🥇 What’s at Stake?
This fight isn’t just about a belt — it’s about legacy, momentum, and marketability.
- If Chimaev wins, he becomes one of the fastest fighters in UFC history to win a title and will likely emerge as a global superstar.
- If Du Plessis retains, he solidifies himself as a true, undisputed champion and continues to bring the spotlight to African MMA.
The result could also affect future matchups, including:
- A potential superfight with Israel Adesanya.
- A possible move to light heavyweight for either fighter.
- UFC’s expansion plans in Africa and the Middle East.
🎟 Ticket Info and How to Watch
Tickets for UFC 319 will go on sale via Ticketmaster and UFC.com starting June 21, 2025. Expect prices to range from $150 to $2,500+ for floor seats and VIP packages.
Watch Live:
- USA: ESPN+ PPV
- UK: BT Sport
- India: Sony LIV
- UFC Fight Pass: Available globally for early prelims
🧠Final Thoughts
With UFC 319, fans are getting what they’ve long been waiting for: Khamzat Chimaev on the big stage, chasing championship gold against a dangerous, unyielding champion in Dricus Du Plessis. It’s more than just a fight — it’s a defining moment for the future of the middleweight division.
Whether you’re Team Chimaev or backing Du Plessis, one thing is certain — UFC 319 is unmissable.
