Opening Du Plessis vs Chimaev Odds & Early 319 Predictions

• Dricus Du Plessis defends his Middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025 in Chicago
• Chimaev opens as the betting favorite against the South African champion
• Get the early Du Plessis vs Chimaev odds, key stats, fight analysis and prediction below

UFC 319 promises fireworks as Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev square off in a high-stakes middleweight fight. Mark your calendars for August 16, 2025, because that’s when this epic title fight is happening in Chicago.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the booking Tuesday, ending months of speculation about this blockbuster matchup. This championship showdown will headline UFC 319 from the 22,000-capacity United Center.

Here is a look at the early Du Plessis vs Chimaev odds, plus key stats and early predictions:

Du Plessis vs Chimaev Odds

Khamzat Chimaev is currently sitting as an early -198 favorite over Dricus Du Plessis in the opening betting odds. These odds translate to roughly a 66.4% implied probability that Chimaev walks away with the belt. A $198 bet on Chimaev would net you $100 (plus your stake back).

Du Plessis comes in as a +164 underdog despite holding the championship. A $100 bet on Du Plessis would return $164 (plus your stake back) if he manages to defend his title.

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Odds as of May 14, 2025, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Grab a DraftKings promo code, or visit UFC betting sites to place a UFC 319 wager.

Chimaev Favored Despite Champion’s Success

The current odds reveal the betting market’s confidence in “Borz” despite facing a champion who’s never tasted defeat in the UFC. Chimaev’s dominant performances have made him a betting favorite in every single UFC fight of his career.

Chimaev brings a perfect 14-0 record to this fight, including eight straight UFC wins with seven finishes. His most recent victory was downright scary – a first-round submission over former champion Robert Whittaker that left Whittaker with a damaged jaw requiring surgery.

The Chechen-born fighter has been viewed as a future champion since his UFC debut in 2020, when he won two fights in just ten days. Despite struggling with health issues, including COVID-19 complications, Chimaev has remained perfect when competing.

Dricus Du Plessis Analysis

Du Plessis brings a 23-2 record into this fight seeking his third successful title defense. The South African snatched the middleweight belt with a split decision over Sean Strickland in early 2024 and has since defended it twice – submitting former champion Israel Adesanya and beating Strickland again by unanimous decision.

“Stillknocks” is currently riding an eleven-fight win streak, including a perfect 9-0 UFC record. He’s the first South African fighter to claim a UFC championship and currently sits fifth in the UFC’s pound-for-pound rankings.

Du Plessis has made bold claims about his upcoming fight, telling CBS Sports: “I think everyone has been moving backward trying to evade that takedown. No, no, no. I’m not scared of Khamzat’s wrestling. I’m not evading. I’m going to fight Khamzat wherever the fight goes.”

Du Plessis vs Chimaev Tale of the Tape

One striking difference between these fighters is their average fight time. Du Plessis typically goes deeper (13:45 average) while Chimaev tends to finish opponents quickly (6:05 average). This could be a massive factor if the championship fight drags into later rounds.

UFC 319 Fight Details

UFC 319 takes place on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, marking the UFC’s first visit to the Windy City since 2019. The event will be available on pay-per-view starting at 7:00 PM.

This fight will be Chimaev’s first U.S. appearance since September 2022. Since then, he’s been busy in Abu Dhabi, scoring wins against former champs Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.

Should anything happen to either fighter before the event, the UFC has secured Nassourdine Imavov as a backup. Imavov is currently ranked as the #1 contender following a four-fight win streak that included knocking out Israel Adesanya earlier this year.

Du Plessis vs Chimaev Predictions

The current odds could shift as we approach fight night. If the betting public continues to pile onto the undefeated Chimaev based on his dominant wrestling and submission skills, we might see his price shorten further.

However, Du Plessis has consistently proven doubters wrong throughout his UFC career. As more analysis emerges and fans recognize Du Plessis’ well-rounded skillset and championship experience, money could start flowing in on the champion, potentially tightening these odds.

My early prediction leans toward Chimaev winning by submission in the early rounds. His wrestling skills and submission game seem to be on a whole different level, especially after how quickly he handled Whittaker.

However, Du Plessis has been super tough and adaptable in his UFC career, which makes this middleweight title fight one of the most interesting we’ve seen in a while.