UFC 319 Predictions & Odds Today: Expert Picks for Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Dricus Du Plessis aims to defend his middleweight crown for the third time at UFC 319, and my UFC 319 predictions and odds back the South African to hold off Khamzat Chimaev.

Despite entering as a +200 underdog, Du Plessis is one of my three UFC 319 best bets for Saturday’s card, which kicks off at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN+ PPV) from United Center in Chicago. Chimaev sits as the -250 favorite at top UFC betting sites, with the Over/Under for rounds set at 2.5.

My UFC 319 best bets lean on the champion and betting underdog in the main event as one of my three favorite picks for Saturday night.

💰 UFC predictions, odds, & picks: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev

(Odds via our best UFC betting sites; UFC picks confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale)

• Dricus Du Plessis moneyline vs. Khamzat Chimaev (+210 via DraftKings) ⭐⭐⭐
• Michael Page to win by decision vs. Jared Cannonier (+100 via BetMGM) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
• Edson Barboza to win by KO/TKO/DQ vs. Drakkar Klose (+280 via FanDuel) ⭐⭐⭐

🎯 UFC 319 predictions and best bets

🏆 Dricus Du Plessis moneyline vs. Khamzat Chimaev ⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: +210 via DraftKings ($10 to win $21)

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The challenger enters this title bout as the sizable betting favorite at the best sports betting sites. It's not without good reason either, as Chimaev has taken the UFC by storm since his 2020 debut. He's overpowered every opponent since, maintaining an unblemished professional record and an 8-0 clip under the promotion.

Twelve of Chimaev's 14 wins have come inside the distance, as well. Although he's known for his technical grappling, he's also a proficient striker. "Borz" has a balanced resume with six wins apiece via submission and KO/TKO.

There are question marks surrounding the Emirati's battery and experience, though, as this is his first shot at a belt.

The same cannot be said for Du Plessis, who has successfully defended his middleweight belt on numerous occasions. The South African's last three fights have bled into the championship rounds, but he remains a perfect 9-0 in the UFC.

I believe Du Plessis has enough in the tank to fend off Chimaev's submission attempts and outlast him in the latter stages. While I like the champ to retain his belt via the judge's scorecards for a third time in his last four fights, there's no need to go out on a limb with DDP's moneyline odds offering plenty of value.

🥊 Michael Page to win by decision vs. Jared Cannonier ⭐⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: +100 via BetMGM ($10 to win $10)

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Cannonier is a popular underdog pick for this pay-per-view event due to his raw power and weight advantage as a natural middleweight. He's a close-combat striker with menacing combinations complemented by constant leg kicks.

"The Killa Gorilla" has made a career out of using his big frame to close down opponents in the octagon, forcing them to fight his way. However, Page simply won't allow for that to happen.

The 38-year-old, a natural welterweight, will use his length and speed to attack in bursts, dictating the tempo from a distance. "Venom" might lack the knockout power needed to finish Cannonier inside the distance, but he more than makes up for that middleweight power deficiency with adeptness and versatility.

The best sports betting apps agree in the sense that they view Page (-189) as an overwhelming favorite. I'm predicting Page will pick up his third victory via decision in his last four fights. This is a much more profitable market than the moneyline, offering an even-money return on winning wagers with BetMGM.

🥊 Edson Barboza to win by KO/TKO/DQ vs. Drakkar Klose ⭐⭐⭐

📊 Best odds: +280 via FanDuel ($10 to win $28)

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How long can Barboza keep this fight off the mats? That's the pivotal question heading into this prelim bout. If he can defend Klose's takedown attempts early on and win the war of attrition with the American using his punishing kickboxing, he should be able to wear down Klose enough to fend off further wrestling endeavors.

Keeping this fight vertical will be Barboza's biggest challenge but also his key to victory. He's a much more gifted striker than his 37-year-old counterpart, who struggles with fighters cut from this cloth.

My money is on the Brazilian to hand Klose his second consecutive knockout at a profitable price. However, if you prefer to play a more basic market, Barboza moneyline is still playable at -140 with the best sportsbooks.

🔮 UFC 319 expert picks

• UFC 319 odds
• UFC 319 predictions & odds
• Du Plessis vs. Chimaev prediction
• Cannonier vs. Page prediction
• Prates vs. Neal prediction
• Murphy vs. Pico prediction

📈 UFC 319 betting insights

Here are some betting insights from BetMGM ahead of UFC 319:

• The most popular prop is Du Plessis to win by KO/TKO or DQ at +525
• Bettors are torn on the main event, with Du Plessis receiving 65% of the bets to win at +155, but Chimaev getting 77% of the handle at -190
• Klose is receiving a dramatic 82% of the handle at +125 vs. Barboza but just 57% of the bets

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