The middleweight championship is still up for grabs this coming Saturday in Chicago. Inside the United Center, Dricus du Plessis will defend it against undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and the buzz around this fight continues to roar even with last-minute chaos on the card. Two undercard bouts were scrapped within hours of one another, making it necessary for UFC to reorganize the entire card on short notice. The focus, however, has not shifted. This is the fight everyone will watch, and for those planning to bet on UFC 319, will be eyeing a main event that is quite the gamble but with great returns.
The week didn’t start off well. King Green vs. Diego Ferreira was scrapped due to Green’s injury. Then, Rodrigo Sezinando vs. Daniil Donchenko for the TUF 33 Welterweight final was also canceled for the same reasons. To keep the night stacked, the UFC booked Baisangur Susurkaev vs. Eric Nolan on short notice, allowing Susurkaev to break the record for the fastest leap from Contender Series debut to the Octagon in just four days.
Undercard Disruption Doesn’t Shake the Main Event
While the undercard remains a mystery, the middleweight title fight looks locked in effortlessly. Proving this, the official press conference held on Thursday offered enough evidence. Du Plessis and Chimaev squared off for a fiercely competitive stare-down showdown that almost turned into a push. Dana White physically intervened before things dialed up. The fiercely divided and boisterous crowd added to the overall drama. Chimaev yells over the noise, promising to ‘undo the champion’ while Du Plessis confidently counters and declares that in ‘Chicago, the belt will still be on his waist’
Those types of exchanges above are applicable to Chicago bets on the fight, too. They help a great deal in judging the mental advantages. Under control but fired up, that is how Chimaev looked. Du Plessis, on the other hand, seemed to be relaxed, full of confidence. To most betters, this is not just a background, but an essential ‘surrounding’ in judging the odds.
Weigh-In Day Brings Calm After the Storm
If we talk about the drama surrounding the fights, the weigh-in matters the most. All the fighters, both throughout the prelims and main card, showed up on time. Du Plessis and Chimaev both made weight, no hassles, no attempts, and no speed bumps. Everything went according to plan. Smooth weigh-ins ensure no energy-draining last-minute cuts before the fights. No last-minute swaps to fighters, and no weird odds changes due to random fill-ins.
The Champ vs. The Challenger
Du Plessis steps in as the middleweight king for the third time as I see fit. He defended the title twice already and beat big names as Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. He is patient and fights long. Du Plessis adapts mid-round and counter-fights when opponents think they have figured him out. That’s the reason he is dangerous in 5 round fights because he doesn’t need to win early.
Chimaev is the opposite kind of danger. He is undefeated and has an unrelenting focus on the action, which begins at the bell. He blends wrestling with strike finishing attacks. Although he hasn’t fought in deep championship rounds, the championship rounds he has fought in have shown an uncontainable intensity. Du Plessis is not looking to dance but rather take him out to keep the pace of the fight sluggish.
Reading the Fight for Betting Purposes
This is where experience in reading matchups pays off. Chimaev is the betting favorite, but not by a margin that writes du Plessis off. The champ has the chin and fight IQ to survive early storms. If he gets the fight into the fourth or fifth round, the pressure starts to tilt.
Anyone building a full wagering plan will find value in looking at method-of-victory markets and live betting opportunities. The pace Chimaev brings could create in-fight swing odds that benefit quick decision-makers.
A solid UFC betting guide would suggest building exposure on both fighters through complementary bets — for example, early-round finish props for Chimaev alongside late-round or decision props for du Plessis. That’s the kind of angle that cushions volatility while still chasing upside.
Odds and Where They’re Moving
Chimaev started as a moderate favorite and has seen some action come in on both sides. He is still ahead on the books, though. Undercard change bets are still not swinging the line very much – everyone is focused on the prominent stylistic clash.
aron Pico and Lerone Murphy co-main event has shown a more significant line movement after both men looked good on the scale. Because of the evenly matched competition, this bout is likely to create a lot of action. I’m also interested to see the line on decisions because of the strong prop potential.
Fight Week Stories Beyond the Cage
It isn’t only about the skill. Fighters explain “energy in the building” for a reason. Chicago is a fight city; it is loud, reactive, and shifts the tide of the fight with crowd noise. Du Plessis accepted the boos during the press conference, meaning he is ready for a fighting-from-the-crowd reception. Cheering for their fighter at the event tends to Chimaev’s section, and that fuels his aggression early on.
Israel Adesanya made headlines with his prediction that du Plessis “find a way” to win. A guess made by a former champion who fought both of them is something that attracts the attention of wagers. It doesn’t change the odds, but it adds a layer to how the public views it.
Betting Angles Worth Targeting
- Main Event Moneyline — Risk/reward split based on your read of cardio vs. pace.
- Method of Victory — Chimaev inside two rounds vs. du Plessis via decision or late finish.
- Live Betting Windows — Especially between rounds two and three if the fight is competitive.
- Parlays with Co-Main — Pairing main event picks with Murphy/Pico results can create value.
- Debut Fight Prop Bets — Susurkaev is a wild card; early finish odds may be worth a look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens when fights are canceled during fight week?
A: The UFC either replaces the bout or reshuffles the card. In some cases, the fight is rebooked for another event.
Q: Do weigh-in results impact betting odds?
A: Yes. Missing weight or looking drained can cause quick shifts in the market.
Q: Is live betting worth it in MMA?
A: If you know how to read fight momentum, yes. MMA has frequent swings that can create value mid-fight.
Q: How much do crowd reactions affect fighters?
A: It varies. Some feed off boos, others crumble. It’s worth noting when fighters embrace the noise.
Q: How Expert Picks Improve Success Rates on UFC Betting Sites?
A: UFC expert picks break down fighter data, styles, and trends you might miss, helping you make sharper, higher-percentage bets.
Chicago’s Last Word Before the Bell
All the noise, the scrapped fights, the reshuffling — it fades once that cage door shuts. What’s left is a champion who’s proven he can adapt under fire and a challenger who’s never tasted defeat. The betting market says Chimaev has the edge, but du Plessis has the tools to grind him out over five rounds. Whether you’re here for the action or to work the odds, UFC 319 offers both in spades. Fight night is coming. Make your picks, place your bets, and watch it unfold in real time.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: August 16, 2025
Last updated: August 16, 2025