UFC 319 predictions: Du Plessis v Chimaev grabs attention

CHICAGO:

All eyes will be on the middleweight championship bout between champion Dricus du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev as UFC 319 takes over Chicago.

Du Plessis, famous for an awkward style, will be entering the octagon again one of the most feared fighters in the division Chimaev.

Chimaev ripped through the competition in his first few UFC bouts, immediately making himself into a man many believed was destined for UFC gold.

He has some health and travel issues early on in his career, but now he is finally on track for his much-awaited title bout.

With so much happening on Saturday night, let's look closer at the full fight card with the latest odds before we get to our staff predictions and picks for the PPV portion of the festivities.

Some predictions of the fight:

Campbell: Du Plessis

Brookhouse: Du Plessis

Mahjouri: Du Plessis

Mormile: Du Plessis

Wise: Chimaev

Du Plessis claimed the title with a win over Sean Strickland at the start of last year. Meanwhile, Chimaev hasn't fought since his win over former champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 last October, in a devastating performance that saw him dislocate the New Zealander's jaw in a first-round submission.

It is worth mentioning here, the South African has already established himself as an all-time great middleweight who keeps climbing that ladder.

His signature ultra-awkward and wild striking has disrupted everyone put in front of him in the UFC.

However, against Chimaev, the best offensive grappling is defensive, which is what the champion needs to showcase, as the relentless Chechen will waste no time going at him.

UFC 319 start time

UFC 319 takes place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on Saturday Aug. 16. The main card gets going at 9 p.m. CDT local time (10 p.m. ET, 7 p.m. PT).

US and Canada

The main card starts Aug. 16, 10 p.m. ET (7 p.m. PT).

The prelims start Aug. 16, 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. PT).

The early prelims start Aug. 16, 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT).

UK

The main card starts Aug. 17, 3 a.m. BST.

The prelims start Aug. 17, 1 a.m. BST.

The early prelims start Aug. 16, 11 p.m. BST.