Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev are set to go head-to-head in the headline event of UFC 319 next weekend.
The rivals are set to compete for the UFC Middleweight title in what promises to be an excellent bout.
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Du Plessis will defend his beltCredit: Getty
Du Plessis is looking to defend his title for the third time after initially claiming it with victory over Sean Strickland before then beating Israel Adesanya and Strickland again.
However, this is going to be a serious test, given Chimaev is unbeaten in UFC.
Since his debut in 2020, the 31-year-old has blown everyone away and secured victory over Robert Whittaker last time out.
Elsewhere on the card, Lerone Murphy is the co-main event against Aaron Pico, while Jarred Cannonier is facing Michael Page is another interesting encounter.
UFC 319: Date and UK start time
UFC 319 is set to take place on Saturday, August 16 and is being held at the United Center in Chicago.
The main card is scheduled to start at 3am UK time on Sunday morning.
The action will be shown on TNT Sports and discovery+ in the UK, with the early preliminary rounds available on the UFC Fight Pass. More info here.
talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will keep you up to date with all the action, while you can also follow all the build-up on talkSPORT’s MMA YouTube channel.
To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
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Chimaev is a fearsome competitorCredit: GETTYUFC 319: Fight card
Subject to change…
Main card
MAIN EVENT: Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev – for UFC middleweight titleLerone Murphy vs Aaron PicoGeoff Neal vs Carlos PratesJared Cannonier vs Michael PageTim Elliott vs Kai Asakura
Preliminary card
King Green vs Diego FerreiraGerald Meerschaert vs Michael OleksiejzukJessica Andrade vs Llopy GodinezChase Hooper vs Alexander Hernandez
Early preliminary card
Edson Barboza vs Drakkar KloseBryan Battle vs Nursulton RuziboevKarine Silva vs Dione Barbosa
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Murphy has enjoyed a great rise up the ranksCredit: GettyUFC 319: What has been said?
Du Plessis’ training partner and fellow South African Mark Hulme is backing the champion to retain his crown.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he said: “Dricus finishes him under three.
“I can’t see [Chimaev] lasting more than three. He’s going to come out and burn himself.
“I don’t think people have seen the extent of Dricus’ wrestling, and if I know him, it’s that he’s got a point to prove.
“If people think that Khamzat is the guy to wrestle, he might just hold him off and shove his head up his a**.”
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