Although International Fight Week has concluded, the most significant combat sports event of the year is still on the horizon.
The UFC`s summer schedule is packed with major pay-per-view cards, breaking from the frequent events held at the fan-less UFC Apex.
Recent events saw new champions crowned or titles defended, including Ilia Topuria`s impressive knockout of Charles Oliveira last weekend at UFC 317, making Topuria a rare two-division champion.
While names like Topuria and Oliveira are major draws, the upcoming clash between two undefeated fighters at UFC 319 in 2025 is generating even more excitement and is widely considered the year`s most anticipated matchup.
UFC Releases Striking Poster for Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Showdown at UFC 319
The middleweight division is set for a high-stakes encounter this August.
UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is scheduled to defend his belt for the third time against the highly touted prospect Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. The event is slated for August 16th in Chicago.
Both Du Plessis and Chimaev bring incredible unbeaten streaks into this championship fight, with a combined record reflecting 25 consecutive victories.
Chimaev holds a perfect professional record of 14-0, including recent victories over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker. Champion Du Plessis remains undefeated in the Octagon, riding an 11-fight win streak. His notable victories include stopping Whittaker in two rounds and submitting the legendary Israel Adesanya, marking Adesanya`s first career submission loss.
The promotion unveiled a minimalistic poster for the upcoming title fight, which quickly drew comparisons.
The color scheme and simple design evoke the look of the famous UFC 229 poster, which featured Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor. That fight is often cited as the biggest in MMA history due to the intense personal rivalry between the competitors.
Fan reactions online to the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev poster were enthusiastic. One fan declared it “the best fight of the year and it’s not close.”
Another fan added a note of caution: “Not if it ends in 30 [seconds].”
The initial commenter responded, “In that case, it might be the best 30 seconds in history. Two wild dogs.”
Fellow Middleweights Offer Divided Predictions for the UFC 319 Main Event
The stylistic matchup between Du Plessis and Chimaev is one of the most intriguing seen recently in the division.
It pits Chimaev`s dominant grappling prowess and finishing ability – highlighted by a jaw-breaking neck crank in a recent fight – against Du Plessis` unique and highly effective approach, regardless of whether he`s utilizing submissions (like against Adesanya) or striking (as seen in his defense against Sean Strickland).
Predictions among their peers in the middleweight division are split. Darren Till, who has trained with Chimaev and fought Du Plessis for three rounds, publicly picked Chimaev to win at UFC 319.
Conversely, Sean Strickland, who went ten rounds with Du Plessis and has also trained with Chimaev, predicts that Du Plessis will be the one to hand Chimaev his first professional loss.
Jack Thornley