Dricus du Plessis x Khamzat Shimaev face each other for the first time. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC Brazil
The press conference of UFC 319, held this Thursday (14), broke away from tradition. The stage was the city of Chicago, in the United States, which hosted the event in an open format, with thousands of fans present and creating an almost show-like atmosphere. Amid boos, applause and provocations, the main protagonists of the night gave a sample of the tension that promises to mark the octagon on August 16.
The main fight will pit the middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg) against each other, Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Shimaev, in a dispute valid for the South African's third title defense.
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And, at least outside the cage, the American fans' favoritism has already been decided: Chimaev received the biggest cheer of the afternoon, while Du Plessis dealt with intense boos and didn't hide his discomfort.
"You guys are running out of steam. Do you want to try booing again? You're tired. (...) I'm going to win, and he's going to get his money's worth," taunted Du Plessis, who also promised to defend all of his rival's takedown attempts.
Chimaev, for his part, adopted a calmer, yet still sharp tone. He joked with the audience, thanked them for their support, and promised to deliver a spectacular performance.
"I love jokes, but I can make jokes just as well as he can. I'm going to take the belt home and make everyone happy. Africa will never see this belt again," he replied.
It will be the third title defense for Du Plessis, while Chimaev tries to establish himself as the big name of the new generation in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg).
Who you got in our #UFC319 main event?!
@DricusDuPlessis vs @KChimaev pic.twitter.com/WwB5609ROM
- UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) August 14, 2025
Carlos Prates also shines on the card
Another highlight of UFC 319 é Carlos Prates, which faces Geoff neal in the welterweight division (up to 77 kg). The fight, initially scheduled for April, was rescheduled after the American underwent elbow surgery.
During the press conference, Chimaev's protégé, Daisangur Susurkaev, also appeared. The fighter, who shone on the Contender Series just four days earlier, will make his official UFC debut against Eric Nolan.
This fight is going to boil! #UFC319 @Handzofsteelmma e Carlos Prates they faced each other once again!
[ Saturday (16) | 19pm | Watch live on @UFCFightPassBR | Subscribe now: https://t.co/OD62F561g5 ] pic.twitter.com/uBDELUYqkI
- UFC Brazil (@UFCBrasil) August 14, 2025
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