Du Plessis enters UFC 319 as the defending champion, looking to complete a third defense. He won the belt from Sean Strickland in early 2024, and has since defended it twice – submitting Israel Adesanya, and outpointing Strickland again in a rematch.

UFC 319 will feature Dricus du Plessis entering the ring to defend his UFC middleweight title for the third time as Khamzat Chimaev challenges.

Dricus du Plessis will aim for the third defense of his UFC middleweight title in the main event when he welcomes unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev. In the co-headliner, former Bellator top prospect Aaron Pico will make his promotional debut against 16-0-1 Lerone Murphy in a pivotal matchup at 145 pounds.