The UFC is bringing a massive middleweight title fight to Chicago, as Dricus Du Plessis is set to defend his 185-pound belt against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, at the United Center. This blockbuster matchup, announced by UFC CEO Dana White, marks the promotion’s return to the Windy City for the first time since UFC 238 in 2019. Fans are buzzing about this clash, which pits the reigning champion’s relentless style against a dangerous contender who’s been chasing gold since his explosive UFC debut in 2020.
The buildup to this fight has already gotten heated, with Du Plessis and Chimaev trading barbs online. Chimaev recently poked fun at Du Plessis’ team with doughnut emojis, only for the champion to fire back with a sharp jab about Chimaev’s family, escalating the tension. This verbal sparring is just a taste of what’s to come as these two prepare to collide in a fight that could define the middleweight division. According to Footitalia, early betting odds have Chimaev as the favorite at -170, with Du Plessis at +145, though these numbers are expected to shift as fight night approaches. The live betting features found on premium wagering sites allow bettors to take advantage of odds as they change in real time.
Du Plessis, the South African star, has solidified his reign with an impressive 9-0 UFC record, including stoppage wins over Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, and two victories over Sean Strickland, most recently a unanimous decision at UFC 312 in February 2025. His unorthodox striking and durability make him a tough puzzle to solve, and he’s confident heading into this fight, even taking shots at Chimaev’s reliability on social media. Chimaev, however, is a force of nature. With a perfect 14-0 record, including a first-round submission of Whittaker at UFC 308, he’s shown he can dominate elite competition. His relentless wrestling and explosive starts have made him a fan favorite, though questions linger about his stamina in later rounds.
Concerns about Chimaev’s history of withdrawals due to health issues, including a bout with COVID-19 complications and a mysterious illness in 2024, have led the UFC to name Nassourdine Imavov as the backup fighter. Du Plessis has even trolled Chimaev, joking he’s preparing to face Imavov instead. Despite this, Chimaev’s recent performances suggest he’s ready to seize this long-awaited title shot. For Du Plessis, this is another chance to prove doubters wrong against a formidable opponent.
Chicago fans are in for a treat with this high-stakes main event, as both fighters bring unique skills and no shortage of intensity. Whether Du Plessis can weather Chimaev’s early storm or if Borz can finally claim UFC gold remains to be seen, but this fight is shaping up to be one of the biggest of 2025. Tickets are already in demand, and the MMA community is eagerly counting down to August.
