Chimaev vs. Du Plessis Set for UFC 319

Khamzat Chimaev is slated to face Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, 2025. The event will take place at the United Center in Chicago.

Du Plessis suggested that Chimaev might struggle if the fight extends beyond the third round, referencing Chimaev’s previous bouts against Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns.

The South African UFC middleweight champion, Du Plessis, has demonstrated endurance in past fights, securing victories against notable opponents such as Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya.

Du Plessis believes his stamina will be a key advantage, while he questions Chimaev’s ability to maintain the same intensity in later rounds, recalling Chimaev’s challenges in three-round contests with Usman and Burns.

Du Plessis’ Perspective

“We both entered the UFC around the same time. I am heading into my third title defense, while he is contending for his first. Experience is a significant factor, especially when it comes to five-round fights. It’s easy to say, ‘I’m going to dominate everyone,’ but the reality is, you might not be able to sustain that pace beyond the third round,” Du Plessis stated.

“Knowing you have to fight that fifth round changes your approach. Training for it is one thing, but being in a real fight is different. It makes you consider conserving energy in the early rounds, which then changes your fighting style.”

He further commented, “We observed in the [Robert] Whittaker fight; he didn’t conserve energy and went all out from the start again.”

Dricus du Plessis emphasized his conviction that Chimaev harbors some self-doubt.

“He has that doubt in his mind. I don’t have that doubt because I maintained a high pace against Strickland in the initial rounds and secured the win. It was similar with Adesanya, where I achieved a fourth-round finish,” Du Plessis added.

“I am confident I can maintain a high pace for five rounds, if needed.”

Du Plessis has shown impressive form recently, defeating Strickland in their UFC 312 rematch in February and securing a fourth-round submission victory against Adesanya at UFC 305.

Khamzat Chimaev remains undefeated since his debut five years ago, boasting a 14-0 record.