Jul 8, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Robert Whittaker (red gloves) during UFC 290 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

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UFC 319 Prediction and Betting Odds – Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev Preview, Predictions And MMA Betting Odds

The UFC middleweight division is about to host a crazy fight! This weekend, on August 16, at Chicago’s United Center, fans are getting one of the most intriguing title fights in recent memory. Dricus Du Plessis will put his belt on the line against the undefeated wrecking ball known as Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. This is a clash between two fighters who keep winning fights in a dominant fashion.

Du Plessis has been the UFC‘s biggest puzzle since he arrived in 2020. The South African champion doesn’t look like a typical elite fighter, yet he’s sitting at 9-0 in the octagon with the middleweight crown around his waist. Meanwhile, Chimaev burst onto the scene, smashing through opponents with a ruthless combination of wrestling and aggression that had fans calling him the next big thing. After some health setbacks and long layoffs, ‘Borz’ is finally getting his shot at gold. This fight represents the perfect storm of styles and storylines that make MMA so unpredictable.

Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Preview

Dricus Du Plessis stands 6’1″ with a 76 inch reach. His striking statistics show he lands 6.12 significant strikes per minute with 48% accuracy, while absorbing 4.90 strikes per minute. His striking defense sits at 54%, which isn’t elite but works for his aggressive style. On the ground, he averages 2.55 takedowns per fight with a 50% success rate, and his takedown defense also sits at 50%. The champion’s submission average of 0.7 per fight shows he’s not primarily a grappler, but he’s dangerous when opportunities arise.

Khamzat Chimaev has a slight height advantage at 6’2″ but gives up an inch in reach at 75 inches. He lands 5.36 significant strikes per minute with impressive 58% accuracy while only absorbing 3.25 strikes per minute. His striking defense of 41% might seem low, but he makes up for it with his wrestling. The Chechen-born Swedish fighter averages 4.31 takedowns per fight with 46% accuracy. To top it off, he has perfect 100% takedown defense. His submission average of 2.0 per fight highlights his ground game dominance.

Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev MMA Betting Odds

The oddsmakers initially saw this fight differently than they do now. Initially on FanDuel, Du Plessis was listed as a +165 underdog, making Chimaev a -190 favorite. However, the betting market has shown even less confidence in the champion as fight night approaches. Current odds have shifted to Dricus Du Plessis at +196 and Khamzat Chimaev at -260, indicating stronger belief in the challenger’s chances.

The odds for the fight going the distance have also come out. The probability of the fight ending before the final bell is higher and the odds (-350) reflect that. The odds for the fight seeing the judges scorecards stand at +250.

Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Predictions And Picks

This fight comes down to one simple question: can Du Plessis survive the early storm that Chimaev brings? The challenger’s cardio issues are well documented, and if he can’t finish the fight in the first two rounds, advantage swings heavily toward the champion. Du Plessis has shown remarkable durability and the ability to find ways to win when things look bleak.

Chimaev’s path to victory runs straight through his wrestling. His perfect takedown defense means Du Plessis likely can’t take him down, while his own takedown threat could neutralize the champion’s striking. If Chimaev gets top position early, his submission skills make him incredibly dangerous. The key for him is managing his gas tank and not burning out in pursuit of a quick finish.

Du Plessis needs to weather the early storm and drag this fight into deep waters where his cardio advantage becomes crucial. His switch stance and awkward timing have troubled every opponent he’s faced in the UFC. If he can survive the first two rounds and make this a striking battle in rounds three through five, his chances improve dramatically.

This is a tough matchup to predict. But if we bet on the fight, we are going with Khamzat Chimaev to win the fight via submission.

(All odds taken from FanDuel. Bet on the most up-to-date MMA odds, lines, and spreads with FanDuel Sportsbook.)

(Image Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie – Imagn Images)

Dricus Du Plessis

Khamzat Chimaev

UFC 319

Zaid Quraishi

mma

I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!