UFC CEO Dana White has announced a title bout between defending champion Dricus Du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev.
The fight is scheduled to take place at UFC 319 at the United Center in Chicago—marking the UFC’s first trip there since 2019—on August 16. The unbeaten Chimaev has long been considered a favorite to hold UFC gold, but has struggled with availability in recent years. When he does make it to the cage, he’s electric, with eight wins inside the Octagon—six by stoppage.
Despite his success, Chimaev’s inconsistency may be the reason Nassourdine Imavov has been named the backup fighter for the UFC 319 bout.
Sources close to the situation confirmed that Imavov is staying ready for the UFC 319 card. He’s been on a fast track, having defeated opponents like Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier, Roman Dolidze, and most recently, Israel Adesanya. Imavov holds an overall record of 16-4 with one no contest, including an 8-2 mark (with one no contest) in the UFC.
Undefeated since joining the UFC in 2020, Du Plessis claimed the middleweight title in 2024 with a split decision win over Sean Strickland at UFC 297. He successfully defended the belt with a fourth-round submission of Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 last summer.
UFC 319 takes place on Saturday night, August 16, at the United Center in Chicago. The main card kicks off on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. ET.
