The next middleweight title fight has been officially made for UFC 319 in Chicago.
On August 16, Dricus Du Plessis will be confronted against Khamzat Chimaev in one of the most expected battles of the year.
Du Plessis has already given his opinion about the matchup with fans who count down the days until 'Still Knocks' makes the third defense of his title.
One of the biggest surprises with regard to this announcement is that the long -awaited collision will take place in the United States, making it the first time that Chimaev has fought outside of Abu Dhabi since UFC 279 in September 2022.
If something happens to both men prior to Fight Night, it seems that the UFC has already set a plan B.
Nassourdine Imavov is said to be the back -up hunter for UFC 319
French Outlet RMC Sport Combat has reported that Nassourdine Imavov will be the back -up hunter for the UFC 319 main event.
He is currently arranged as the #1 contenter in the middleweight division after a four-fighter winstreak that he eliminated earlier this year.
Imavov was recently linked to a fight with Caio Borralho, in which the Brazilian claimed that the match on the Frenchman's side was rejected.
Although he was associated with various opponents with the fighting that never finished between July 2021-Juli 2022, Dricus du Plessis has had no problems since then, with his last seven trips as planned.
The same cannot be said for Khamzat Chimaev who has had various problems in his recent fights.
Fans hope that with his victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, the undefeated challenger was able to leave his earlier health problems behind him.
🚨 Info RMC Sport🔥nassourdine Imavov Remplaçant du Combat Pour le Titre Entre du Plessis et Chimaev!
🇫🇷🏆 le Français, Actuelement N ° 1 Chez Les -84KG, Est Désigné Remplaçant Officiel Pour le Combat Prévu Le 16 Août à l'Ufc 319.
🤩 une nouvelle Opportunité and or pour la… pic.twitter.com/jskdkmrmh
– RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportcombat) 14 May 2025
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Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho would take place on the same night in an ideal world
Nassourdine Imavov vs Caio Borralho feels like such an obvious matchup for the UFC to now deal with both men who have a lot of momentum behind them.
It seemed that Imavov was waiting for a greater chance and we don't know if he was told that he will get the next recording after he was the back -up hunter.
In an ideal world, this fight can be compiled for UFC 319, so that we can discover who the next one is in line, while two highly ranked middle weights are that can step into the main event if they are needed.
Perhaps Israel Adesanya Borralho could take if Imavov is still not interested in this fight.