Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Prediction: UFC 319 Best Bets, Expert Picks & Odds
Later tonight, the UFC will take Chicago, where Dricus du Plessis puts his middleweight title on the line against Khamzat Chimaev to close out UFC 319 at the United Center.
Our Du Plessis vs. Chimaev prediction leads our UFC picks for this month’s bill, which comes six months after the champ secured his second title defense with a decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 312. The victory - Du Plessis’ second over Strickland - marked the champ’s 11th straight and brought his pro slate to 23-2.
As for the challenger, Chimaev is unbeaten in 14 career contests. The Chechen native was last seen submitting ex-champ Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 last October, the tapout bringing his stoppage total to 12.
For more on Saturday’s action, feel free to check out our UFC 319 predictions for the main card and our UFC best bets.
📊 Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev UFC odds
Odds via DraftKings as of Saturday.
| Dricus Du Plessis | Method of victory | Khamzat Chimaev |
|---|---|---|
| +215 | Win outright | -265 |
| +550 | Win by KO/TKO/DQ | +350 |
| +1100 | Win by submission | +120 |
| +800 | Win by decision | +600 |
| +5000 | Draw | +5000 |
DraftKings is this week’s sportsbook of choice, as they typically lead the other best sports betting sites on double-chance action and offer solid value on the defending champ, both for an outright win and a 10th career KO/TKO.
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🥊 UFC 319 predictions: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev preview
✅ Prediction: Du Plessis to beat Chimaev
📊 Best odds: +215 via DraftKings ($10 to win $21.50)
This one comes down to the first round, specifically whether Du Plessis can survive the first round - and I believe he will.
A notoriously fast starter, Chimaev has betrayed a habit of blowing his wad in the first frame. That will likely be the case this time around, as Du Plessis’ awkward striking has puzzled many a man and will have Chimaev chasing takedowns before long. Surviving Chimaev’s early onslaught is a tall order, but I’m confident the champ - who’s only given up a takedown in three of nine UFC outings - has prepared accordingly.
Should the pair remain upright for most of the contest, the advantage should reside with Du Plessis, who slightly outlands Chimaev 6.12 to 5.36 significant strikes per minute, with the hittable challenger defending just 41% of the opposition’s attempts. Provided Du Plessis sees the second stanza, he’ll begin pulling away on the feet as Chimaev’s tank empties and his takedown attempts grow more desperate.
In short, he’ll have to gut his way out of some precarious spots, but Du Plessis should bring the UFC crown back to South Africa. Despite his status and more active schedule, Du Plessis heads to Chicago as the betting underdog. DraftKings has our moneyline action on this UFC 319 prediction, edging out FanDuel at +215.
💰 UFC 319 predictions: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev best bet
✅ Best bet: Du Plessis by KO/TKO/DQ or submission
📊 Best odds: +380 via DraftKings ($10 to win $38)
Between their 32 combined stoppages and Chimaev’s shoddy gas tank, these middleweights shouldn’t require the judges to settle their dance.
Du Plessis has not only finished 20 of his 23 pro wins, he can also end things with his mitts as easily as on the mat, boasting nine career knockouts and 11 tapouts. With Chimaev likely to fade after the first round and always hittable, look for Du Plessis to open up with his mitts while the challenger becomes more of a stationary target as the bout wears on.
Whether it’s with a slew of haymakers or a club-and-sub, Du Plessis hands Chimaev his first-ever defeat before the final horn sounds.
DraftKings has our best bet, as well, as its array of double-chance bets gives it an edge over several other best sports betting apps. Given du Plessis’ resume, a pick on a KO/TKO or submission victory is a natural choice, with DraftKings offering it at +380.
🆚 Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev tale of the tape
| Dricus Du Plessis | Khamzat Chimaev | |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Age | 31 |
| 6'1" | Height | 6'2" |
| 185 lbs. | Weight | 183 lbs. |
| 76" | Reach | 75" |
| 23-2 | Record | 14-0 |
🔮 UFC 319 expert picks
- UFC 319 odds
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- Du Plessis vs. Chimaev prediction
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- Prates vs. Neal prediction
- Murphy vs. Pico prediction
📡 How to watch Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev: UFC 319
📅 Saturday, Aug. 16
🕗 10 p.m. ET
📍 United Center (Chicago)
📺 ESPN+ PPV
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