UFC 319 was already explosive. The fight world salivated at the idea of Khamzat Chimaev‘s relentless might against Dricus Du Plessis‘ unpredictable grit in the main event. The event, held in Chicago’s famous United Center, was expected to shake the Windy City with main-event intensity and chaos. But leave it to Dana White to find a new method to turn up the heat. With one new move and one unexpected matchup, this card becomes not only stacked but historic.
The news was made without fanfare. No big press conference. Just a discreet drop via fighter social media and MMA insiders. However, for fans who have followed the flyweight wars, it was a rush of adrenaline. Two previous title candidates, two scrappy veterans from drastically different journeys, are poised to face off on the undercard. It’s the kind of inclusion that elevates an already headline-heavy card to the level of a complete feast. And no, this isn’t simply filler. It’s a bout that could change the direction of the flyweight division.
Kai Asakura vs. Tim Elliott. That is the one. Asakura, the former RIZIN king who made his reputation by destroying names like Kyoji Horiguchi and Manel Kape, comes back after a rocky UFC debut against Alexandre Pantoja. That night didn’t go his way—he was submitted in the second round—but his stock didn’t plummet.
If anything, the Japanese phenom showed he belongs among the world’s best. Now ranked 15th, he has a second chance at UFC fame. Across from him stands Tim Elliott, rated 11th and fresh off a 20-month sabbatical. The 38-year-old veteran has done it all, from challenging Demetrious Johnson for the title after winning The Ultimate Fighter to slogging his way through 22 UFC fights.
He may not be glamorous, but he is dangerous, particularly on the mat. His most recent fight saw him choke out Sumudaerji in the first round, proving he’s still a threat in the cage. He’s 5-2 in his past seven. Don’t let the record fool you—Elliott’s experience and pressure can sink anyone.
This fight not only adds interest but also raises the stakes. Asakura needs this win to prove he’s more than just a RIZIN highlight reel, and Elliott wants to show the world he’s not ready to fade into the background. Two styles, two careers on the line, and a devoted fanbase eager to see who survives.
Dana White didn’t just improve UFC 319; he ensured that every aspect of the card, from the main event to the undercard, drew your attention. But let’s not forget that the headliner still remains the much-awaited Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis. A fight worthy of being a headliner, and one that may hand ‘Borz’ a rare defeat if his former rival is to be believed.
Robert Whittaker warns Khamzat Chimaev of the superpower held by Dricus Du Plessis
With the undercard stacked and fans focused on every fight at UFC 319, attention naturally returns to the explosive, headline-grabbing combination of Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis. The stakes are sky-high. The fanbase is split. In the midst of all the noise, a few key voices have begun to change the narrative. One of those voices? Robert Whitaker.
The former middleweight champion isn’t just talking hype; he’s giving a serious warning. According to him, Khamzat Chimaev could be getting into something a lot more dangerous than the odds suggest. Because, while the sportsbooks prefer ‘Borz’ by roughly a two-to-one margin, insiders are skeptical. Chael Sonnen, who is never afraid to make predictions, has stated clearly that the first round is crucial.
Credits: Imago
If Chimaev scores an early takedown, the fight might quickly escalate. What if Dricus Du Plessis survives the first five-minute storm? ‘The American Gangster’ believes that it is his fight to lose. That’s the moment where the South African’s grit, pressure, and strange ability to thrive in chaos could begin to break Chimaev down. That kind of pressure cannot be assessed by betting odds; it can only be observed inside the cage.
Robert Whittaker went a step farther, calling Du Plessis’ conditioning and endurance his “superpower.” He understands firsthand how tough it is to put ‘Stillknocks’ away. Now fully healed from a past nasal obstruction, Du Plessis has morphed into a machine that never slows down, even deep into championship rounds. As Whittaker stated, “If you don’t put him away, he’ll keep fighting.”
That is the threat. That’s the war Khamzat Chimaev must prepare for. He may be the better wrestler and the most feared name on the poster, but raw force may not be enough against a man who refuses to give up. But what do you think? Who will win the fight? Let us know in the comments.
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