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- What? UFC 319: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis
- Where? United Center, Chicago
- When? August 16, 2025
A high-stakes collision awaits at UFC 319 as two undefeated forces square off for the middleweight title on Aug. 16 in Chicago. Reigning champ Dricus du Plessis takes on top contender Khamzat Chimaev in a matchup that pits two dominant yet contrasting paths to the top.
Together, they boast a strong record inside the Octagon, but their UFC journeys have unfolded in opposite directions. Du Plessis, now the man to beat, has consistently defied expectations, toppling ex-titleholders like Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, and Israel Adesanya—often as the betting underdog. Chimaev, meanwhile, was pegged early as a future champion, but his climb was slowed by medical setbacks and grueling cuts to 170 pounds. Now, back at middleweight, Chimaev finally gets his shot at gold.
Below are the odds from the best UFC betting sites.
| UFC 319 |  |  |  |
| Dircus du Plessis | +160 | +160 | +154 |
| Khamzat Chimaev | -185 | -185 | -185 |
UFC betting lines have Khamzat Chimaev pegged as the favorite heading into UFC 319, where he’ll attempt to end Dricus du Plessis’ reign. Chimaev’s unbeaten streak makes him a legitimate threat to the champion, and there’s a strong case to be made for him pulling it off. Still, the betting value is compelling on both sides, with competitive lines offering solid opportunities regardless of which way you lean.
Khamzat Chimaev (-185) vs. Dricus Du Plessis (+160)
Backing against Dricus du Plessis is no easy call, yet the oddsmakers have him as the underdog heading into his title defense against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
Chimaev brings a spotless 14-0 record to the Octagon, and his grappling is a key reason for the betting edge. His wrestling numbers are nearly double those of his opponents, and he’s no slouch on the feet either. With 12 of his 14 victories coming inside the distance, Chimaev has shown he can end fights through various methods.
He’s no stranger to high-profile matchups, either—he’s taken out dangerous names like Robert Whittaker and Kevin Holland via finish, and has gone the distance in wins over tough customers like Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Du Plessis (23-2), however, has the edge in experience and matches Chimaev in both power and unpredictability. He’s riding an 11-fight winning streak and hasn’t suffered a defeat since 2019. His résumé includes a pair of victories over Sean Strickland and a statement win against Israel Adesanya.
Still, all streaks eventually break. While du Plessis has been stopped before, Chimaev has yet to taste defeat—and with his suffocating ground game and well-rounded skillset, he may just have the tools to impose his will. It’s a razor-close matchup, but the edge goes to Chimaev to deliver on the hype once again.
UFC 319 Fight Card and Odds
Odds from BetOnline.
- Khamzat Chimaev -185 vs. Dricus du Plessis (c) +160, middleweight title
- Lerone Murphy +130 vs. Aaron Pico -150, featherweights
- Geoff Neal +240 vs. Carlos Prates -280, welterweights
- Michael Page -180 vs. Jared Cannonier +155, middleweights
- Kai Asakara -285 vs. Tim Elliot +225, flyweights
- Diego Ferreria -200 vs. Bobby Green +170, lightweights
- Michal Oleksiejczuk -205 vs. Gerald Meerschaert +175, middleweights
- Loopy Godinez -225 vs. Jessica Andrade +240, women’s strawweights
- Chase Hooper -280 vs. Alexander Hernandez +240, lightweights
- Edson Barboza -150 vs Drakkar Klose +130, lightweights
- Bryan Battle -190 vs. Nursulton Ruziboev +165, middleweights
- Karine Silva -160 vs. Dione Barbosa +140, women’s flyweights
UFC 319 Information
UFC 319 marks the organization’s return to Chicago for the first time since UFC 238 back in June 2019, making it the eighth event the promotion has hosted in the Windy City.
Headlining the card is a middleweight title showdown between reigning champion Dricus du Plessis—who also previously held the KSW welterweight belt—and undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev. Originally, Nassourdine Imavov was slated to serve as the alternate for this title fight, but he later confirmed he would instead pursue a bout with Caio Borralho. As a result, Borralho has now stepped in as the new backup for the main event. Interestingly, Imavov and Borralho are still on track to square off in the main event of UFC Fight Night: Imavov vs. Borralho just three weeks later.
Also on the UFC 319 lineup is a welterweight clash between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates. The two were initially expected to meet at UFC 314 in April, but the matchup was postponed after Neal pulled out due to injury.
In the women’s flyweight division, Karine Silva was set to face JJ Aldrich on the card. However, Aldrich withdrew for undisclosed reasons and has since been replaced by Dione Barbosa.
Below is our partner table of the best offshore sportsbooks where you can place your UFC 319 bets. Make sure to read our reviews to help determine the best option for your wagering requirements.
Best Betting Sites 