South Africa’s UFC champion faces unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev, chasing a third title defence in the main event of UFC 319.
Chicago, United States of America (14 August 2025) – “Annnd stilllll…” Those are the words South Africans will be crossing their fingers to hear this Sunday.
Dricus du Plessis is gearing up for another massive night inside the octagon as he defends his UFC Middleweight Championship against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC 319 at the United Centre in Chicago. The fight will take place in the early hours of Sunday morning, SA time.
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Du Plessis has been on a remarkable journey. Since capturing the belt from Sean Strickland in early 2024, he has kept a firm grip on it. First finishing Israel Adesanya in August last year, then Strickland again in February. Now on an 11-fight win streak, he will be looking to make it three successful defences in a row.
This time, the challenge is arguably his toughest. Chimaev, who has never lost in 14 professional fights, has built a fearsome reputation. Winning over the likes of Gilbert Burns, Kamaru Usman, and Robert Whittaker. His mix of relentless wrestling and dangerous striking means Du Plessis will need to be at his very best. But if there is one thing Du Plessis is known for besides his grit, it’s his famous phrase “hulle weet nie wat ons nie”. So his opponent might have a remarkable streak, but as the phrase suggests, the global fight predications and stats do not know the full story.
Here is a little sporting coincidence that might just make you smile. The last time Du Plessis fought on the same weekend the Springboks played Australia was back in July 2023, when he faced Australian Robert Whittaker. Both Du Plessis and the Boks came out victorious. This time around, his opponent is the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev from Russia, but once again, the Boks are taking on the Wallabies in the Rugby Championship. Fans will be hoping the coincidence brings another weekend of double South African victories.
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UFC 319 will also showcase other big matchups, including Geoff Neal vs Carlos Prates and Jared Cannonier vs Michael Page. For South African sports lovers, it is all about whether Stillknocks can keep his belt and keep the flag flying high.
If Bruce Buffer ends the night with “And still… the undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion of the world… Dricus du Plessis!”, it won’t just be a victory for him – it’ll feel like a win for the whole country.
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