Crowning a New Middleweight King? Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Betting Odds and Predictions (UFC 319, August 17)
Chicago welcomes the UFC back to the United Center for the first time since 2019, with a middleweight showdown that fans have long awaited. Saturday night’s main event sees champion Dricus du Plessis defend his title for the second time this year against unbeaten challenger Khamzat Chimaev, whose rise began with a dominant debut on Fight Island. With both fighters bringing relentless pressure and fight-ending power, Du Plessis vs Chimaev odds will be at the center of attention on August 17.
Key Details About The UFC 319 Main Event
Middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis enters UFC 319 with momentum on his side, aiming for a second successful title defense in 2025. Standing opposite him is undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev, whose ferocious rise since his breakout on Fight Island has kept him on the championship radar for years.
UFC 319 Main Event, Middleweight Championship Title Bout
đź‘ŠÂ Venue:
United Center, Chicago, United States
🗓️ Date:
17 August 2025
⏰ Time:
From 4:00 AM GMT on Sunday
Du Plessis vs Chimaev Odds
Chimaev arrives at UFC 319 with unstoppable momentum after years of hype and dominance. Waiting for him is du Plessis, a champion who thrives under pressure. UFC betting apps now joined the uncertainty: will the challenger’s rise continue, or can the champion hold firm?
Khamzat Chimaev to Win
Best odds:
1.40 (2/5)
4.1
100% up to $500 on 1st deposit and 50% up to $250 on 2nd deposit
UFC 319 du Plessis vs Chimaev predictions show a market tilted toward the unbeaten challenger, with Khamzat Chimaev listed at 1.40 (2/5) to claim the middleweight crown. His relentless pace, wrestling dominance, and unbeaten record have built the aura of inevitability heading into Chicago. Dricus du Plessis, priced at 3.00 (2/1), enters as the defending champion and a proven finisher who thrives when counted out. While the numbers point to Chimaev, the champion’s durability and knack for capitalizing on chaos add intrigue to a fight that could turn in an instant.
Dricus Du Plessis’ Current Form in The UFC
Middleweight champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis enters UFC 319 on an impressive unbeaten run inside the Octagon, boasting a perfect 9-0 UFC record and a 23-2 mark overall. Earlier this year, he scored his second successful title defense by outworking former champion Sean Strickland in a decisive rematch of their UFC 297 bout. Each performance has further solidified his claim as the best in the division, with bookmakers for MMA fights reflecting growing confidence in his ability to handle any opponent. Known for his resilience, du Plessis has built his career on proving critics wrong, thriving under pressure, and finding ways to win regardless of the challenge.
Du Plessis’ Advantages Over Chimaev
Du Plessis poses a unique problem for Khamzat Chimaev because he doesn’t lean on a single weapon. He blends powerful striking with effective grappling and has the composure to survive and recover from dangerous spots. His endurance stands out in a division where high-paced, late-round fights are rare, giving him the tools to test Chimaev in unfamiliar territory. If he can withstand the expected early onslaught, du Plessis has the skill set to drag the fight into deeper waters and shift momentum in his favor.
Khamzat Chimaev’s Current Form in The UFC
Half a decade after bursting into the spotlight with three victories in less than eight weeks, Khamzat Chimaev finally steps into a title fight. The 31-year-old arrives unbeaten, fresh off a dominant first-round submission against former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 — a performance so one-sided it resembled a dismantling more than a contest. That night erased lingering doubts about his health and cemented his reputation as a relentless finisher capable of breaking elite opposition. With his trademark blend of suffocating wrestling, punishing strikes, and unshakable confidence, Chimaev heads into UFC 319 as the man many expect to unseat the reigning champion, with Du Plessis vs Chimaev betting preview discussions reflecting that belief.
Chimaev’s Advantages Over Du Plessis
Chimaev’s most dangerous asset is his ability to dictate the fight from the opening seconds. He closes the distance instantly, applies pressure without pause, and forces opponents into mistakes they can’t recover from. His victory over Whittaker showcased a ruthless mix of striking and grappling that left no room for a comeback. While questions about his stamina in the championship rounds remain, his explosive starts and high finishing rate give him a clear path to victory if he can overwhelm du Plessis before the champion settles into his rhythm.
Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Betting Tips
Get ready for our Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev tips as we break down the matchup and highlight which betting angles could deliver the best value.
Khamzat Chimaev to Win by Submission @ 1.90 (9/10)
Chimaev’s grappling remains one of the most feared weapons in the division. Once he secures a dominant position, his mix of control and finishing instincts often ends the fight quickly. Against a champion who has never faced his brand of relentless pressure, a submission finish feels like a strong, high-probability option.
While Chimaev is known for early fireworks, du Plessis has the durability to survive initial storms and drag opponents into deeper waters. Both carry fight-ending power, but the champion’s stamina and adaptability make this du Plessis vs Chimaev UFC 319 prediction lean toward a battle that lasts well past the halfway mark. The submission victory in the 4th round over the division’s monster, Adesanya, during UFC 305, easily proves the trend of the South African having perfect defensive skills.
Dricus du Plessis to Defend at Least 3 Takedown Attempts @ 2.75 (7/4)
Risky Bet
Dricus du Plessis to Defend at Least 3 Takedown Attempts
Du Plessis has built a career on defying expectations, and part of that comes from his ability to adapt defensively. Even against an elite wrestler like Chimaev, the champion’s balance, footwork, and defensive awareness give him a real chance to stuff multiple takedown attempts and keep the fight in striking range.
Best UFC 319 Betting Picks
Khamzat Chimaev to Win by Submission
Best odds:
1.90 (9/10)
4.1
100% up to $500 on 1st deposit and 50% up to $250 on 2nd deposit
UFC 319 offers a title fight where either man can seize the moment. Bettors should weigh form, style, and finishing ability before backing Chimaev’s submission threat or du Plessis’ proven resilience.
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