Chicago will host a highly anticipated UFC middleweight title fight this Saturday at UFC 319, where Khamzat Chimaev faces reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis. Both fighters entered the UFC in the same year, with Chimaev arriving just slightly earlier than the South African champion, creating a long-awaited showdown for the belt.

Background and Career Paths of Both Fighters

Chimaev, who previously competed in Brave CF, has faced challenges related to health and fight activity, which slowed his progress compared to Du Plessis. Meanwhile, Du Plessis made a name for himself in Poland’s KSW before climbing to the top of the UFC middleweight division through an unorthodox fighting style. This contrast in their journeys adds an intriguing layer to the matchup.

Chimaev’s Take on Du Plessis and Fight Strategy

Speaking at the UFC 319 media day in Chicago, Chimaev praised Du Plessis’s recent performances.

“All of his last fights, he’s done good, done well,”

Chimaev said, addressing the champion’s skill and form. Despite expectations for a fast-paced opening round, Chimaev declined to outline fight details, stating,

“I don’t know, we’ll see in the cage brother. It’s too early to think about these things. When I see his face, it’s different.”

Chimaev’s Approach to Pre-Fight Trash Talk

Trash talking has emerged in the lead-up to the bout, with Chimaev fully engaging but downplaying its importance. He expressed a pragmatic mindset about the pre-fight banter:

“All the fighters talk, but nothing is going to change. Everyone has to fight in the cage anyway, so whatever he says, forget about [it]. I’m here to beat him up, take my money and go home.”

Thoughts on Remaining Undefeated and Legacy

Chimaev enters this title fight undefeated with a record of 14-0 and aspires to join a rare group of UFC champions who have held their belt without any losses. When asked about matching Khabib Nurmagomedov’s unbeaten retirement, Chimaev remained relaxed and philosophical:

“I don’t care if I be undefeated or not. Whatever God wants, I’m ready for that.”

Chimaev’s Views on Youth MMA Training and His New Gym

Recently, Chimaev opened a gym for children in Chechnya, but with a controversial approach—he chose not to include a cage for MMA practice. He explained his reservations about MMA for young athletes, stating,

“I don’t think MMA can be good for kids, because we punch [each other] in the face, we break each other.”

He further emphasized the importance of exposing children to various martial arts before MMA, adding,

“This is an amazing sport, but not for the kids. I think it should be at least 15 years to train some different sports. Boxing, or judo, or wrestling, grappling. A lot of different sports for the young boys. So that’s why.”

Event Details and Anticipation

UFC 319 will take place on August 16, 2025, at Chicago’s United Center, with fans eagerly awaiting the middleweight title bout. Khamzat Chimaev’s path to the championship has been long and marked by hurdles, making this fight a pivotal moment in his career and potentially reshaping the division’s landscape.