UFC President Dana White has expressed strong confidence that the upcoming fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis will be the highlight of UFC 319. Scheduled for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, this middleweight title bout promises to bring high stakes and intense competition. After two quieter events at the Apex facility in Las Vegas, the UFC is returning to a major live venue with this eagerly awaited matchup.
The main event features Chimaev, known for his fierce style and recent return to fighting in the United States, challenging du Plessis for the middleweight championship. Analysts and fans find the fight difficult to predict, with strong opinions on both sides. Nonetheless, White stands firm in his assurance that this contest will earn the coveted Fight of the Night honor.
A Stacked UFC 319 Card Supports the Headliner’s Impact
The UFC 319 card is filled with notable matchups, including the co-main event featuring Aaron Pico making his debut against Lerone Murphy. Additionally, veterans such as Michael “Venom” Page, Kai Asakura, Carlos Prates, Edson Barboza, and Jessica Andrade will be returning to action, further intensifying the event’s appeal.
Despite this strong undercard lineup, Dana White remains adamant that the main event will overshadow all other fights. On the Pardon My Take podcast, White emphasized the undeniable excitement surrounding the Chimaev vs du Plessis bout.
It is hard to not talk about this main event,
White said. Khamzat Chimaev is back, actually fighting in the United States.
That fight is gonna be badass. There is no way that the main event is not the Fight of the Night.
—Dana White, UFC President
The card is gonna be badass…but with all the great undercard fights, I would still say it’s impossible for the main event not to be the Fight of the Night,
he added.
Dricus du Plessis Plans to Promote UFC Events in South Africa
Du Plessis, aiming to become the first fighter to defeat Chimaev in mixed martial arts, has already planned what he wants to accomplish following a potential title win. While his immediate focus remains on the battle with Chimaev, he has paused his push for the UFC to bring events to his home country for the first time.
Should du Plessis retain or win the middleweight championship at UFC 319, he intends to advocate strongly for a title defense on South African soil. Speaking to the New York Post’s Scott Fontana, he shared insights into ongoing discussions involving the UFC, South African sports ministers, and local arenas.
The right people were speaking to each other,
du Plessis explained. I was involved in these conversations, (but) as soon as this fight was made, my attention shifted to this fight.
I know the conversations are there between the UFC and South Africa, and the sports ministers, and the cities, and the arenas — everything is in conversation.
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
But as an update on where we are, I don’t have anything,
he added. That is definitely something that I will get after as soon as I am done after this fight. … The UFC is now massive (in South Africa). The country is so behind the UFC and myself, behind me fighting.
(I am) making sure the right people speak to the right people, almost introducing the right people to each other, making sure the people that need to make it happen speak to the right people who can make it happen. That is my role.
What UFC 319 Means for Fighters and Fans
UFC 319 marks an important event for the promotion, returning to a large arena setting following smaller shows at the Apex. The centerpiece middleweight title fight has generated buzz due to the contrasting styles and impressive records of both Chimaev and du Plessis, making the contest a must-watch.
For du Plessis, victory would not only mean championship glory but also a chance to elevate the UFC’s profile in South Africa. For Chimaev, this fight represents a meaningful return to fighting on home turf in the United States, where his fan base has grown dramatically.
Dana White’s guaranteed verdict that the main event will earn Fight of the Night pays tribute to the significance and intensity expected from this matchup. As UFC 319 approaches, fans can anticipate a night of electrifying competition, potentially setting new benchmarks for future events.