UFC Returns to Chicago with Dricus Du Plessis Facing Khamzat Chimaev For The Middleweight Championship

UFC is returning to Chicago on 16 August 2025, with UFC 319. The reigning Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his title against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. This fight will be UFC’s first visit to Chicago since UFC 238 in June 2019.

It’s a clash between two of the division’s most feared competitors. Du Plessis, originally from South Africa, has been a top competitor since claiming the belt at UFC 297. He’s since defended it twice from the likes of Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland, maintaining an 11‑fight win streak.

His opponent, Sweden‑born now representing the UAE, Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev currently holds a record of 14 wins and 0 losses. His last performance was against Robert Whittaker, winning on first‑round submission at UFC 308.

Recent training footage from TalkSport, with Olympic‑gold wrestler Abdulrashid Sadulaev has had fans calling him the “future champion”.

According to MMA Fighting, fan reaction has been overwhelming. Many are calling this “the biggest fight in the UFC,” with some tipping du Plessis to survive early rounds, while others believe Chimaev's unstoppable momentum will overwhelm him.

On paper, it’s a showdown between two of the competitors of their weight class. Du Plessis brings submission prowess and pressure, while Chimaev brings raw power and dominance. This is going to be Chimaev's first title shot and du Plessis’s chance to cement his legacy as the middleweight great. Definitely a fight you don't want to miss.

Match Card according to UFC::

Category	Dricus Du Plessis	Khamzat Chimaev
Record	23–2–0	14–0–0
Last Fight	Win	Win
Country	South Africa
Height	6'1"	6'2"
Weight	185 lb	186 lb
Reach	76 in	75 in
Leg Reach	43 in	40 in