UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is an upcoming mixed martial arts event taking place on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The event features a highly anticipated middleweight championship bout between reigning champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev.
Du Plessis (23-2), of South Africa, will be looking to make his third title defense. He won the belt in 2024 with a split decision win over Sean Strickland and has successfully defended it twice since, against Israel Adesanya and in a rematch against Strickland. Du Plessis is currently on an 11-fight win streak, including a 9-0 record in the UFC.
Chimaev (14-0) will be competing for his first UFC title. He boasts an impressive undefeated record with six wins via (T)KO and six via submission. In his most recent fight, Chimaev secured a first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker in October 2024.
Chimaev (14-0) will be competing for his first UFC title. He boasts an impressive undefeated record with six wins via (T)KO and six via submission. In his most recent fight, Chimaev secured a first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker in October 2024.
The UFC 319 main card also includes a welterweight clash between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates, and a middleweight bout featuring Jared Cannonier against Michael “Venom” Page. The co-main event spot is yet to be announced.
The main card is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM EST, with prelims starting at 5:00 PM EST and early prelims kicking off at 3:00 PM EST. The event will be available on pay-per-view through ESPN+, with prelims airing on ESPN and ESPN+, and early prelims streaming on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. This event marks the UFC’s return to Chicago for the first time since 2019.
The main card is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM EST, with prelims starting at 5:00 PM EST and early prelims kicking off at 3:00 PM EST. The event will be available on pay-per-view through ESPN+, with prelims airing on ESPN and ESPN+, and early prelims streaming on ESPN+ and UFC Fight Pass. This event marks the UFC’s return to Chicago for the first time since 2019.
