The UFC 319 Main Event places the two top middle weights against each other in an exciting title conflict.
UFC Middenweight Champion Dric Du Plessis is fresh from title defense against Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya, but his collision with the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev is perhaps his most difficult fight so far.
This fight could go in all directions, with former hunters and analysts who go both sides on the winner of the UFC 319.
The bloody elbow forecasts are no different, because the staff has made their predictions about what will happen in the UFC 319 main event between Du Plessis and Chimaev.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev Predictions
Ross Markey: “I might go against the grain here, but I will take Dricus to win in Chicago this weekend. If Du Plessis can push Khamzat to the later rounds, related to both Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, I think he will find a great success there.
“However, the most important factor has survived that early attacks of the Chechen in his many waves. Nevertheless, I choose Du Plessis to keep his crown-and Chimaev may even let it stop.”
Prediction: Dricus du Plessis via late finish
Harvey Leonard: “This is difficult because Chimaev cannot choose his entire career towards you, while Du Plessis has so often proven the masses that it feels like he has earned his predictions for this.
“It is a cliché assessment, but until we see the apparent cardio improvements of Chimaev actually see dividends in championship rounds, it feels safer to choose a ruthless five-round hunter as a du plessis about a history of tiring in three rounds.”
Prediction: Dricus du Plessis via decision
Hamish Woodward: “This is one of the most interesting UFC head events in a while, because there are arguments for both hunters to run Chicago as the UFC Middleweight Champion.
Du Plessis seems to be the likely loser in my mind, but he has proven the fans time and time again. When he rides his happiness, fights against an unbeaten, apparently unbeatable competitor such as Khamzat Chimaev, the time for his title run seems to end.
Although there are questions about the endurance of Chimaev that goes into the fight, the Chechen must continue his undefeated line and run away as the UFC Middleweight Champion.
Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via decision
Jamie Theodosi: “This matchup seemed like an easy choice from the moment it was announced. But then you look at the clash of styles and it will be a much intriguing matchup.
“It all depends on how Chimaev retains his energy and whether he comes out quickly. Anyway, I go with Chimaev to pick up the finish.”
Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via Finish
Jordan Ellis: “I went back and forth on my choice for this one. In the end it comes down to when I think Khamzat Chimaev is the real deal or not. And I think we could see him streaming through the middleweight champion on UFC 319.”
Prediction: Khamzat Chimaev via entry