As UFC 319 approaches on August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, anticipation grows for the middleweight title clash between champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. The spotlight shines on this high-stakes showdown, drawing widespread attention fueled by the intense rivalry and contrasting styles of the fighters as part of the Khamzat Chimaev UFC 319 preview.
Dricus Du Plessis, the South African titleholder, seeks to cement his reign by adding Chimaev to his list of defeated opponents, while the Chechen-born contender aims to secure his first UFC championship. Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has weighed in on this pivotal matchup, providing a unique and vivid prediction that has ignited further intrigue ahead of the event.
Israel Adesanya’s Insight Into the Battle of Chaos and Skill
From the comfort of his home watching UFC 318, Israel Adesanya offered a sharp analysis of the Du Plessis versus Chimaev fight, emphasizing the unpredictability and intensity expected inside the octagon. Adesanya described the bout as a confrontation between two chaotic forces.
“Not bad, but I still think Dricus gets it. I think he just (gets a) late finish. Yeah, late finish. Khamzat will, I think Khamzat. If he wins, it is the first two rounds or the first round. But Dricus is just chaotic. Chaotic good vs chaotic evil. That’s literally what this fight might be. Chaotic good vs. chaotic evil.” —Israel Adesanya via his YouTube channel
Adesanya suggests that if Chimaev prevails, it will be early and brutal, within the first two rounds, reflective of his relentless pressure and dominant wrestling tactics. On the other hand, he foresees Du Plessis finishing the fight late, thriving in the chaos that unfolds when the early storm subsides.
Both fighters are known for their explosive and dynamic fighting styles. Chimaev has repeatedly demonstrated overwhelming dominance in the opening moments of fights, exemplified by his savage first-round knockout of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, where he broke Whittaker’s jaw. This aggressive early onslaught has become a hallmark of his approach.
Chimaev’s Early Fight Domination Counters Endurance Concerns
Though Khamzat Chimaev has steamrolled many opponents with staggering intensity early on, questions remain about his stamina in longer fights. His previous encounters with elite fighters like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns showcased this vulnerability, as his energy visibly waned in later rounds despite ultimately securing victories.
This pattern has many analysts convinced that Chimaev’s optimal window for victory is limited to the fight’s initial ten minutes. Surviving that period poses a serious challenge for challengers, but it also introduces openings for endurance-based contenders like Du Plessis.
Dricus Du Plessis, nicknamed ‘Stillknocks,’ is often underestimated due to his unconventional movements and seemingly awkward style. However, lurking beneath this surface is a powerful, durable athlete with a mountain of resilience and a deep gas tank. His capability to thrive in chaotic exchanges allows him to excel in wrestling scrambles and navigate grueling battles, which might disadvantage Chimaev as the fight progresses.
Du Plessis’s career highlights serve as evidence of his toughness and adaptability. He shocked the mixed martial arts world by submitting Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, endured punishing wars with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 and UFC 312, and delivered a knockout blow to Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. These victories underscore his ability to handle both striking and grappling challenges over extended encounters.
Given his endurance and strategic versatility, Du Plessis has the tools to change the outcome if this fight extends beyond Chimaev’s early assault, potentially capturing another title defense and maintaining his position atop the middleweight division.
Veteran Fighters Offer Perspectives on the UFC 319 Title Bout
In addition to Adesanya, former champion Luke Rockhold has commented on the fight, though further details of his perspective are less documented compared to others weighing in.
Johnny Eblen, the PFL standout and former Bellator middleweight champion, delivered a compelling viewpoint amid the rising hype surrounding the fight. Eblen downplayed Chimaev’s mystique as an invincible contender and emphasized the physical and experience advantage Du Plessis brings.
“He’s not (the boogeyman), though. He’s just a guy. He’s just a human. Gilbert (Burns) made him look human, (Kamaru) Usman made him look human, and I think DDP is going to make him look human. Plus, DDP is like a big, physical guy. I don’t think Khamzat is just going to manhandle him.” —Johnny Elben via MMA Junkie
Eblen’s assessment challenges the narrative of Chimaev’s invincibility, citing how elite fighters already exposed his human flaws. He further credited Du Plessis’s physicality as a key factor that could neutralize Chimaev’s usual dominance.
Moreover, Eblen highlighted Du Plessis’s superior experience in five-round championship fights, which often demand a different mental and physical approach.
“I like DDP’s chances just because the guys he’s fought and the rounds he’s put in. Chimaev hasn’t. Not to say it’s going to be easy, Chimaev is very, very tough, but I think DDP has more. He’s just more of a veteran when it comes to five-round fights, and tough fights, and he’s fought middleweight this whole time. Chimaev is just kind of coming up.” —Johnny Elben via MMA Junkie
This experience could prove decisive when navigating the pressure and pacing of a title fight scheduled for five rounds. Du Plessis’s longevity at middleweight and history of enduring several demanding battles may offer him an edge against the relatively newer contender in championship contexts.
Implications and What to Expect From UFC 319
UFC 319 promises a high-stakes clash filled with contrasting fighter profiles—Du Plessis’s chaotic toughness and endurance against Chimaev’s early aggression and relentless pressure. The fight’s narrative revolves largely around whether Chimaev can replicate his typical quick destruction or if Du Plessis will outlast and upset expectations with a late finish.
The event not only showcases a pivotal chapter in both fighters’ careers but also represents a critical juncture for the middleweight division’s landscape. As Du Plessis seeks to cement his status as champion with a third defense, Chimaev looks to establish himself as a dominant force with his inaugural UFC title bout.
Fans and analysts will closely watch for how stamina, strategy, and mental toughness influence the outcome, reinforcing why this matchup has become one of the most eagerly anticipated in recent UFC history. The predictions from Israel Adesanya and Johnny Eblen offer valuable insight, but ultimately the octagon will provide the definitive answer to who claims victory.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Khamzat Chimaev has a net worth of over $3 million. At 30 years old, he is very wealthy and a major celebrity in Russia.
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev rich?
A. As of now, Khamzat Chimaev’s net worth is about $3 million. At 30 years old, he is quite wealthy and very popular in Russia. This MMA star has won all 14 of his professional fights, with 12 wins by finishing his opponents before the fight’s end.
Q. Who is better, Khamzat Chimaev or Khabib?
A. Chimaev is definitely the best. Although Khabib and Islam are excellent, the Chechen fighter has superior skills in grappling and wrestling, leading to typically dull fights.
Q. Does Khamzat Chimaev have a disease?
A. A 30-year-old caught Covid in December 2020 and still deals with lasting symptoms. Over the past four years, they’ve only fought four times.