The UFC 319 main event pits the two top Middleweights against one another in an exciting title clash.
UFC Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is fresh off title defenses against Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya, but his clash with the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev may be his toughest fight so far.
This fight could go either way, with former fighters and analysts going either way on the UFC 319 main event winner.
The Bloody Elbow predictions are no different, as the staff have made their predictions about what will happen in the main event of UFC 319 between du Plessis and Chimaev.
- READ MORE – Khamzat Chimaev ‘looks massive’ as he towers over Dricus Du Plessis in first meeting ahead of UFC 319
Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev predictions
Ross Markey: “I might be going against the grain here, but I’m taking Dricus to win this weekend in Chicago. If du Plessis can push Khamzat to the later rounds, akin to both Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, I think he’ll find major success there.
“However, the all-important factor is surviving that early onslaught from the Chechen in its many waves. Nevertheless, I’m picking du Plessis to keep his crown — and potentially even stop Chimaev late on.”
PREDICTION: DRICUS DU PLESSIS VIA LATE FINISH
Harvey Leonard: “This is tough because Chimaev has been somebody you can’t pick against for his entire career, while Du Plessis has proved the masses wrong so many times that it feels like he’s earned his predictions for this one.
“It’s a cliche assessment, but until we actually see Chimaev’s apparent cardio improvements pay dividends in championship rounds, it feels safer to pick a relentless five-round fighter like Du Plessis over someone with a history of tiring in three-round bouts.”
PREDICTION: DRICUS DU PLESSIS VIA DECISION
Hamish Woodward: “This is one of the most interesting UFC main events in a while, because there are arguments for both fighters to walk out of Chicago as the UFC Middleweight champion.
Du Plessis seems the likely loser in my mind, but he has proved the fans wrong time and time again. If he is riding his luck, fighting an undefeated, seemingly unbeatable competitor like Khamzat Chimaev seems like the time for his title run to come to an end.
While there are questions surrounding Chimaev’s stamina going into the fight, the Chechen should continue his unbeaten streak and walk out as the UFC Middleweight champion.
PREDICTION: KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VIA DECISION
Jamie Theodosi: “This matchup seemed like an easy pick from the moment it was announced. But then you look at the clash of styles and it becomes a far more intriguing matchup.
“It all depends on how Chimaev preserves his energy and whether he comes out fast. Regardless, though, I’m going with Chimaev to pick up the finish.”
PREDICTION: KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VIA FINISH
Jordan Ellis: “I’ve been going back and forth on my pick for this one. Ultimately, it comes down to if I think Khamzat Chimaev is the real deal or not. And I do. I think we could see him streamroll through the middleweight champion at UFC 319.”
PREDICTION: KHAMZAT CHIMAEV VIA SUBMISSION