UFC 319: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev - The Fight of the Century and How to Watch for Free
The mixed martial arts world is buzzing with anticipation as UFC 319 makes its way to town tonight at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Tonight's massive event features one of the most intriguing bouts in recent UFC history: the middleweight title bout between current champion Dricus du Plessis and the relentless challenger Khamzat Chimaev. This fight is not just a title fight; it is a clash of two varying fighting philosophies, cultures, and paths to greatness.
The Main Event: A Tale of Two Gladiators
Dricus du Plessis: The South African Storm
Dricus du Plessis is one of the most fascinating UFC middleweight champions. The South African brawler "Stillknocks" has a unique striking ability with remarkable grappling skills that have left opponents perplexed during his professional career. Du Plessis is a new type of well-rounded brawlers who are capable of performing under any situation in the octagon.
His journey to the title has been nothing if not remarkable. From a country not traditionally known for producing UFC champions, du Plessis has broken down barriers and inspired a whole nation. The way that he fights is characterized by relentless pressure, creative angles of attack, and an iron mentality which has taken him through countless wars in the cage.
It is what makes du Plessis so dangerous. He can effortlessly transition between the striking and the grappling, and while his knockout power has been well-reported, he can do it on the ground as well. The champion has repeatedly shown that he can win no matter where the fight goes, and that makes him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division.
The psychological strength of the South African is not to be underestimated. He has weathered adversity in a number of rounds and always managed to come out on top. Such psychological strength will be critical when facing a fighter like Chimaev, who is renowned for breaking down his opponents' will through constant pressure and aggression.
Khamzat Chimaev: The Borz Phenomenon
Opposite him is Khamzat Chimaev, the most dominant fighter on the entire card of the UFC. Affectionately known as "Borz" (Wolf in Chechen), Chimaev has devastated competition with a combination of world-class wrestling, devastating striking, and an almost superhuman capacity for dictating fight direction in every aspect of the sport.
Chimaev's career has been meteoric. His early UFC appearances were so dominating that they bordered on the surreal, the Chechen-born Swede regularly finishing off opponents before they could muster any concerted attack. His wrestling background is Olympic-level, having competed at the top level before converting to mixed martial arts.
What sets Chimaev apart from the vast majority of wrestlers-turned-MMA fighters is his willingness to engage in standup striking exchanges. Grapplers tend to try to get the fight to the ground as soon as possible, but it's clear that Chimaev enjoys the viciousness of standup fighting. Thus, he is incredibly unpredictable and dangerous, as every opponent has no idea if they're going to be met with a takedown shot or a devastating overhand right.
His psychological warfare is also a weapon in his arsenal. His aggressive stare-downs, argumentative demeanor, and borderline confidence have gotten into the heads of most of his opponents before they even step into the octagon. It tends to result in mental domination, which in turn manifests as physical domination when the fight has begun.
The Stakes: More Than Just a Belt
This title fight has implications that extend far beyond the octagon. For du Plessis, the successful title defense would cement himself as a true champion and would potentially set him up for even bigger bouts in the future. The South African already stated he desires to move up to light heavyweight, and a convincing victory over Chimaev would be the unlock for opening those doors.
A victory for Chimaev would be the culmination of one of the greatest ascensions in UFC history. Winning a championship would be vindication of all the hype created around him since he arrived and make him one of the most dominant champions the middleweight division has ever witnessed.
The cultural significance of this fight cannot be overemphasized as well. Du Plessis carries the dreams of an entire continent on his shoulders, representing African caliber in a sport long ruled by fighters from other continents. Chimaev, by contrast, represents the new fighter – one who has crossed geographical boundaries to become an international phenomenon.
Fighting Styles: A Technical Breakdown
The stylistic collision of these two fighters is fascinating from a technical perspective. Du Plessis provides a more traditional mixed martial arts style, with sound fundamentals in each regard but no one singular overriding strength. His versatility and combat savvy are his greatest assets, allowing him to be able to adapt the game plan throughout a fight according to what the opponent is allowing him.
Chimaev's fighting style is nastier and suffocating. He prefers to impose his will early and often, using his superior wrestling to control where the fight takes place. But his improved striking has also made him unstoppable on his feet, providing a nightmare for fighters who must defend against different dangers at the same time.
The grappling war will be one for the books. Both men are excellent on the ground but of different skill sets. Du Plessis is more technical and methodical in his ground fight, looking for submissions and building positions piecemeal. Chimaev is stronger and more physically dominant, using power and wrestling base to control position.
On the floor, du Plessis has the edge in terms of creativity and variety. His punching is more varied, including kicks, knees, and punches thrown from angles not anticipated. Chimaev's punching is more one-dimensional but incredibly powerful, with his overhand right being a particularly deadly weapon.
The Supporting Cast: A Stacked Card
While the headliner will draw attention from everyone, UFC 319 has several other extremely compelling fights that can steal the limelight. Every bout on the main card and preliminary card undercard features up-and-comers on the upswing, hardened veterans, and potential future title challengers, so this event ranks among the best-rounded of the year.
The amount of talent on show suggests that UFC's new power in multiple divisions. The viewer, whether present or watching, will be treated to a complete card of top-notch mixed martial arts action where every fight has its own stakes and story.
Predictions and Analysis
It will be extremely difficult to forecast a winner in this fight with both fighters so highly ranked. Du Plessis has championship experience and has already shown that he is capable of performing under pressure in situations that matter. His capacity for adjustment and championship experience could be the key factors.
Chimaev brings youth, speed, and a virtually unstoppable force of nature attitude to fighting. His ability to dominate foes in all phases of the fight game makes him a nightmare opponent for anyone in the division, including the champion.
The initial rounds will likely have a decisive role in determining the fate of the bout. If Chimaev is able to dictate matters from the start, it may be difficult for du Plessis to mount a comeback. However, if the champion manages to weather the tempest early on and push Chimaev into deeper waters, his experience and conditioning advantage may set in.
How to Watch UFC 319 for Free: Your Complete Guide
For fight enthusiasts who would like to view this historic event without breaking the bank, there are a few valid options available:
Official Free Trials
The simplest solution is to avail free trial offers from reputable broadcasters. ESPN+, which has exclusive rights to show UFC in the majority of nations, always offers free trials to new users. The free trials are typically for 7 days and should be enough to watch the event and then cancel before getting charged.
Similarly, UFC Fight Pass also offers a free trial. While Fight Pass doesn't carry the main pay-per-view portion of the event in all regions, it typically carries preliminary bouts and a lot of post-fight coverage that can enhance your viewing value.
Legitimate Streaming Platforms
Several genuine streaming services also hold UFC content sporadically for promotional purposes. Some companies such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others periodically provide UFC events among their routine coverage or as exclusive promotion for new subscriptions.
Overseas listeners can turn to their domestic sports broadcasters, as UFC events are commonly shown on free-to-air television in most countries. The television rights are vastly varied region by region, so what will be a pay-per-view buy in one country could be broadcast on regular TV in another.
Social Media and Digital Platforms
While you won't receive full fight coverage from social media platforms, they offer excellent supporting material. The UFC's YouTube channel offers a lot of pre-event coverage, behind-the-scenes content, and post-fight analysis and highlights. Twitter and Instagram accounts of fighters and the UFC's social media accounts offer real-time updates from events.
UFC's official site and mobile app also have live blogs, play-by-play reports, and immediate post-fight articles that can keep you current even when you're not able to see the full broadcast.
Public Viewing Options
Sports bars and restaurants across the country often broadcast UFC pay-per-view events on a regular basis. Popular chains like Buffalo Wild Wings, Hooters, and neighborhood sports bars will often cover the pay-per-view as a way to fill their restaurants. This option allows you to watch the whole event while consuming food and drinks in a group environment.
Most venues do not have a minimum purchase to watch, though it is considerate to buy something if you're going to take up space at an event that's packed. Pre-ordering by calling ahead to ensure that a venue will be carrying the fight is always a good idea.
Community and Group Watching
Viewing parties or participating in viewing parties is another great way to split the cost and experience of big UFC events. Friends can divide the price of a pay-per-view buy, which will become much more cost-effective for all concerned. The social element also tends to make the viewing experience richer, as fight enthusiasts can exchange their excitement and analysis in real-time.
College campuses, community centers, and other organizations occasionally host viewing parties for major sporting events. These events may be free or only cost minimal entrance fees, providing an inexpensive way to watch while sharing the experience with other fight fans.
International Considerations
For global audiences, the viewing experience can be significantly varied. The majority of countries have other arrangements with the UFC, so events will likely be broadcast on regular TV or by other streaming services at different prices.
European television supporters, for example, might discover UFC events broadcast through other broadcasters from their US counterparts. The Asian regions generally have their own separate broadcasting agreements that will provide cheaper ticket options.
Mobile and Digital Options
The UFC app and site provide a number of viewing options that are unavailable with live television broadcasts. While the full pay-per-view might still be an obligatory buy, pre-fight bouts and other content are often made available for free.
Radio broadcasts and podcasts provide live commentary and analysis of UFC fights. You will not have the visual, but experienced commentators are able to form a clear picture of the action in their minds, so this is a viable choice for fans who do not want to pay for visual coverage but still must stay up.
Post-Fight Content Strategy
Even though you might prefer to miss the live telecast, it is quite simple to keep up with the result and commentary a little while after the fights. Official UFC websites tend to release fight footage shortly after the completion of the event.
MMA journalism websites and YouTube channels provide detailed breakdowns, analysis, and discussion of major events. This content is typically available for free and can provide insights that enhance your understanding of what transpired during the fights.
The Future Implications
Whether or not either fighter wins UFC 319, the middleweight division will never be the same. Both men are the next for their respective corners of mixed martial arts, and the way they perform will have a big impact on how the sport continues to develop back home.
The winner will have a bull's-eye on their back from a deep well of middleweight contenders, and the division will be one of the most competitive and hottest in the UFC. Future adversaries are already positioning themselves for title shots, and each bout at the top of the division matters for title relevance.
Conclusion: A Night to Remember
UFC 319 is all that is excellent about mixed martial arts: the planet's finest fighting professionals in their finest physical condition, compelling storylines, cultural currency, and the ambiguity that creates every moment in the octagon alive. Whether you're able to watch every minute of action or catch it through some other avenue, this event has the ability to deliver moments that will be argued and analyzed for years to come.
The fight between du Plessis and Chimaev is not just about a fight; it's about the globalized nature of mixed martial arts today and the incredible skillset found in all corners of the earth. Two fighters will step into the octagon tonight with championship fantasy visions, but only one will leave with gold on their waist.
For fans of sport, UFC 319 has it all: technical acumen, cultural currency, title on the line, and the raw emotion that comes with the best competition. Whether you view with buddies in a local sports bar, through digital channels, or in whatever of the legitimate free sources is your preference, you'll be there for an episode of mixed martial arts history.
The octagon awaits, the warriors are ready, and the world watches. UFC 319 is about to deliver an unforgettable night of action that will be one of the greats in the sport's rich history.
