Overview

• UFC 319’s headliner on August 16 at Chicago’s United Center pits reigning champion Dricus du Plessis against undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight title defense.
• Arman Tsarukyan, a key member of Chimaev’s camp, credits a new strength and conditioning coach with markedly improving the challenger’s cardio and recovery.
• Predictions on fight duration are split: du Plessis training partner Mark Hulme expects a sub-three-round stoppage, while Sean O’Malley favors Chimaev’s fast-paced dominance and Caio Borralho notes late rounds could tilt toward the champion.
• Top contender Reinier de Ridder hopes du Plessis retains the belt to avoid a potential Chimaev-induced hiatus in the division and secure his own title shot within four to six months.
• Former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub envisions the winner pursuing belts in three weight classes, highlighting du Plessis’s natural fit at light heavyweight and a possible heavyweight foray.