Overview

• UFC 319 is set for August 16 at Chicago’s United Center, where reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his belt against undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev.
• Sean O’Malley has publicly backed Chimaev to dethrone Du Plessis after the Chechen’s decisive submission victory over Robert Whittaker.
• Reinier de Ridder believes Chimaev is an easier preparation than Du Plessis but hopes the champion prevails to keep the middleweight division active for his own future title shot.
• Training camp insider Arman Tsarukyan reports that Chimaev has significantly improved his conditioning, potentially resolving past stamina concerns.
• Caio Borralho acknowledges Chimaev’s explosive starts but says Du Plessis’s size and durability could tilt the fight if it survives the opening rounds.