A middleweight title struggle will headline the UFC 319 struggle card on August 16. Champion Dricus Du Plessis places his title on the road towards the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev on the United Middle in Chicago. The struggle promotion made the announcement on Tuesday.
Du Plessis (23-2) defended the 185-pound championship for the second time at UFC 312 in February, defeating former champion Sean Strickland in dominating style. He captured the title by narrowly defeating Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024. Some believed Strickland ought to have been declared the winner. Du Plessis left no doubts within the rematch.
Chimaev (14-0) will enter the middleweight title bout coming off a first-round end over former champion Robert Whittaker in his final struggle. Previous to the UFC 312 rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland, Du Plessis acknowledged that he’d slightly tackle Chimaev, who he believed deserved it extra.
The struggle would be the third title protection of Du Plessis’ championship reign. His final 4 fights have been towards former champions: Whittaker, Strickland (twice), and Israel Adesanya.
Chimaev has been labeled a future champion since his arrival within the group in July 2020. On Aug. 16 he’ll have the chance to dwell as much as these expectations.
