UFC 319 Odds: Khamzat Chimaev Slight Favourite Against Champion Dricus du Plessis

• UFC 319’s long-awaited return to Chicago is set for this weekend, headlined by middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis against unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev
• Oddsmakers lean towards Chimaev in a bout expected to deliver high-paced action
• A must-watch showdown where explosive power and championship grit could decide who leaves with the belt

The UFC makes its long-awaited return to Chicago this weekend, with middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis set to defend his title against unbeaten contender Khamzat Chimaev in the main event at the United Centre on Saturday, 16 August. It will be the promotion’s first visit to the Windy City since UFC 238 in 2019.

Chimaev favoured in title clash.

Oddsmakers have installed Chimaev as the favourite at -260, with Du Plessis close behind at around +200.

Many expect the Chechen-born Swede to impose his wrestling early, dominate on the mat, and secure a finish before the midway point. Backing Chimaev to win and the fight to end under 2.5 rounds offers a +105 return. Another option is Chimaev on the -5.5 point spread at -180.

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Du Plessis aims for third successful defence.

Undefeated in the UFC since his debut in 2020, Du Plessis captured the middleweight crown earlier this year with a split-decision win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297.

He followed up with a fourth-round submission of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 and a unanimous-decision victory in a rematch with Strickland at UFC 312 in February. The South African now looks to cement his reign with a third consecutive defence.

See the tweet below:

Chimaev finally gets his shot.

Chimaev, long tipped as a future champion, has remained unbeaten despite injuries and health setbacks slowing his rise.

Known for his relentless style, he holds eight UFC wins, six by stoppage. His last outing was a first-round submission of former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, a performance that earned 2024’s Submission of the Year and secured this title opportunity.

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Bets worth considering

Over 2.5 Rounds (+105): Du Plessis is notoriously tough to finish, and Chimaev is unlikely to charge recklessly in a five-round bout. If it becomes a drawn-out battle, the fight could easily reach the championship rounds.

Du Plessis by KO/TKO or Submission (+320): The champ has finished 20 of his 23 wins and thrives in chaotic exchanges. If Chimaev slows down or fails to end it early, Du Plessis has the grit and power to score a late stoppage.

See the tweet below:

This bout shapes up as a clash of extremes, Chimaev winning quickly or Du Plessis dragging him into deep waters.

While the betting lines lean heavily toward Chimaev, the champion’s durability, cardio, and finishing ability make him a dangerous underdog capable of retaining his belt past Round 3.

Rampage Jackson slams Dricus Du Plessis cornermen kiss

Briefly News previously reported that UFC Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has sparked online debate after once again kissing his cornermen during preparations for his upcoming fight.

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Millions on the line as Du Plessis battles Chimaev at UFC 305

The South African is set to face Russian star Khamzat Chimaev on 16 August in Chicago, in one of the most anticipated bouts of the year at UFC 305.

Source: Briefly News