In the headliner, middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC) puts his title on the line for the third time when he meets unbeaten – and favored – challenger Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA,

Eric Nolan called Baisangur Susurkaev “ Khamzat Chimaev ’s little butt buddy” Khamzat’s response: “He’s better than me bro. Don’t worry, he’s gonna knock you out.” 😳 #UFC319 pic.twitter.com/RGxy20DV5o

Get the best Du Plessis vs. Chimaev predictions ahead of their UFC 319 title fight. Free UFC picks and predictions for Saturday, August 16.

CHICAGO – UFC 319 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for live round-by-round coverage and official results beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) from United Center ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+)

Undefeated middleweight contender Khamzat Chimaev has a history of being unreliable, thanks to a combination of scale fails and mysterious illnesses. That’s why the promotion booked a backup fighter for the UFC 319 pay-per-view (PPV) main event this Sat.

In the lead-up to UFC 319, a lot of attention has been on how Khamzat Chimaev has prepared for Dricus du Plessis and specifically, how he’s tackled what many see as his biggest weakness: conditioning. Former champ TJ Dillashaw linked Chimaev with renowned strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta, who’s been fine-tuning his training.

Ahead of his first appearance as a UFC pay-per-view main eventer this Saturday, Khamzat Chimaev offered up a comment that