UFC 319: Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Live round-by-round updates

Dricus du Plessis headlines UFC 319 in an attempt to make the third defense of his middleweight throne against Khamzat Chimaev.

Du Plessis has gone from an underrated prospect to an unbeaten UFC middleweight champion. He has beaten opponents with pace and awkward but effective striking. His recent dismantling of Sean Strickland proved he can adapt to different styles and break fighters mentally and physically over five rounds.

Chimaev finally gets his first crack at UFC gold after years of buzz. The unbeaten juggernaut has bulldozed contenders and former champions alike, with his recent submission of Robert Whittaker sealing the title shot for the Chechen-born fighter.

Stylistically, du Plessis thrives in chaotic exchanges where his cardio and grit shine, while Chimaev excels in imposing his will early and smothering opponents. If Chimaev cannot get du Plessis out of there in the opening rounds, the champion’s late-fight pressure could flip the script.

UFC 319 takes place Saturday, Aug. 16 at the United Center in Chicago. Early Prelims begin at 6 PM ET on ESPN+ and Disney+, Prelims at 7 PM ET on ESPN, and the Main Card at 10 PM ET on ESPN+ PPV. In India, watch on Sony LIV.

Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for live coverage and play-by-play updates.

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Round 1

Chimaev shoots for a takedown immediately and gets in du Plessis' side control. Crucifix for Chimaev as he starts battering the champion. Chimaev lets his hands go with multiple rabbit punches. Chimaev is doing a great job of controlling the right arm. Du Plessis gets the right arm out, and he puts Chimaev in a headlock. Chimaev is doing a great job of keeping his body between the fence and his opponent. Du Plessis goes for the guillotine after a scramble, but Chimaev defends well.

Our Score: 10-8 Chimaev

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Round 2

Du Plessis starts with a high kick, and Chimaev shoots for the takedown. He takes du Plessis' back and unleashes a few solid knees. He's working his way to a position where he can threaten the champion with submissions. Chimaev is comfortable staying on his opponent's back and making him carry his weight. He gets one hand in for a rear-naked choke, but du Plessis defends it well. Chimaev is making his rival fight a grueling battle of carrying his weight and defending submissions occasionally.

Our Score: 10-9 Chimaev. Overall 20-17 Chimaev.

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Round 3

Chimaev gets back on the double leg and takes du Plessis' back. He takes side control and starts smothering du Plessis with elbows. Du Plessis is using the headlock to defend against submissions. Chimaev transitions to the crucifix, and this is the first round all over again. Du Plessis shows the thumb signalling that he's still in the fight. Crushing elbow on the ear lands for Chimaev. The challenger tries to find a way to sneak in a submission, but du Plessis is defending well.

Our Score: 10-8 Chimaev. Overall 30-25 Chimaev.

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Round 4

Du Plessis gets a good sprawl in the first takedown attempt, but Chimaev strings together a chain attack and gets to his opponent's back. Du Plessis gets back on his feet and attacks the hands, but Chimaev gets him back down again. Du Plessis has no answer for Chimaev's attacks across three and a half rounds of nonstop pressure. Marc Goddard stands up the fighters, and du Plessis lands a good, solid body strike. However, Chimaev lands the ninth takedown in 11 attempts.

Our Score: 10-9 Chimaev. Overall 40-34 Chimaev.

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Round 5

Du Plessis lets his hands and feet go in the opening sequence, but Chimaev takes him down. Back to the crucifix and Chimaev attacks with the kimura. Du Plessis momentarily gets back on his feet, but Chimaev takes him down again. Du Plessis goes for the guillotine, and Chimaev pops his head out and ends up on top. The referee stands them up back again, and du Plessis lands a few shots. He goes for the rear-naked choke after a brief scramble, and Chimaev defends it until the bell.

Our Score: 10-9 Chimaev. Overall 50-43 Chimaev.

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Official Result

Khamzat Chimaev defeats Dricus du Plessis by unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, and 50-44).