UFC 319 Showdown: SA Champion Faces His Biggest Test Against Chimaev
Chicago will be the stage for one of the most anticipated fights of the year when South Africa’s UFC middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, defends his title against unbeaten Russian star Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 at the United Centre on Saturday night (Sunday morning, SA time).
The 31-year-old Du Plessis will not only battle his formidable opponent, but also a crowd expected to lean heavily in Chimaev’s favour. At Thursday’s pre-fight press event, the South African was greeted by a chorus of boos from a largely pro-Chimaev audience. Yet, displaying his trademark composure, Du Plessis brushed off the noise and maintained his focus on fight night.
Dricus du Plessis: A Champion on a Mission
Since claiming the middleweight crown with a split-decision victory over Sean Strickland in January 2024, Du Plessis has defended the belt twice, submitting Israel Adesanya in August last year, then edging Strickland again by decision in February at UFC 312. Now on an 11-fight winning streak, “Stillknocks” is eyeing a third successful defence.
“This is about fighting the best,” Du Plessis told reporters. “On Saturday night, remember who’s in there.”
The champion’s previous US appearance came in 2023, while Chimaev, also 31, last fought on American soil a year earlier. Despite Du Plessis’s impressive record (23-2 MMA), bookmakers have him as the underdog against the undefeated Chimaev (14-0 MMA).
Khamzat Chimaev’s Unbeaten Aura
Khamzat Chimaev’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. The Russian-born fighter has dispatched high-calibre opponents such as Gilbert Burns, Kamaru Usman, and Robert Whittaker, combining relentless wrestling pressure with dangerous stand-up striking. His unblemished record and aggressive style have made him one of the most feared competitors in the division.
Confident in his chances, Chimaev made a bold declaration at the press conference: “Africa never gonna see the belt again. Sorry guys.”
History and High Stakes
UFC 319 marks the promotion’s first return to Chicago since June 2019, and it will be just the third middleweight title bout in Illinois since 2008. For Du Plessis, the stakes are more than personal glory, it’s about representing the country on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Interestingly, the fight coincides with the Springboks’ Rugby Championship clash against the Wallabies. The last time Du Plessis fought on the same weekend as a Boks-Wallabies encounter was July 2023, when he beat Robert Whittaker and the Boks triumphed over Australia. Fans will be hoping for another double victory this weekend.
The UFC 319 Card
While all eyes will be on Du Plessis vs Chimaev, the UFC 319 card is stacked with talent. Featherweights Lerone Murphy and Aaron Pico will clash in an explosive match-up, while welterweights Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates promise fireworks. In the middleweight division, Jared Cannonier faces Michael Page, and flyweights Tim Elliott and Kai Asakura will open the pay-per-view slate.
UFC 319 Main Card (subject to change):
- Dricus du Plessis (c) vs Khamzat Chimaev – Middleweight title fight
- Lerone Murphy vs Aaron Pico – Featherweight
- Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates – Welterweight
- Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page – Middleweight
- Tim Elliott vs Kai Asakura – Flyweight
A Nation Holding Its Breath
For South African sports fans, UFC 319 is more than just another fight card. It’s a chance to see one of the country’s finest athletes defend his crown against one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.
If Bruce Buffer’s post-fight announcement begins with the words “And still… the undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion of the world… Dricus du Plessis!”, it will be a moment that unites the nation in celebration.
Until then, the question remains: will Du Plessis’s grit, skill, and resilience be enough to hand Chimaev his first professional loss? The answer will come under the bright lights of Chicago.
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