The middleweight title will be on the line in the UFC 319 main event on Aug. 19 at the United Center in Chicago. Champion Dricus Du Plessis (23-2) looks to successfully defend his belt for a third time against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev (14-0).

Chimaev has run through most of his opponents only going to a decision twice in his career. Du Plessis knew the first time he saw the Chechen fight that Chimaev was going to do well in the sport.

"I think Khamzat is a special fighter," Du Plessis said on the Ariel Helwani Show . "From the first time I saw him fight I knew this guy was going to be special. 100 percent I knew he was going to be special.

"There was a stage where he didn't fight for like two years, or something. Listen, he speaks more than he fights. I'll say that much to

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