UFC 319: Du Plessis, Chimaev Battle for Middleweight Title Amid $1B Broadcast Deal
The UFC takes centre stage in Chicago this weekend with UFC 319, headlined by a high-stakes middleweight title bout between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev two of the sport’s most outspoken and dangerous fighters.
South Africa’s du Plessis, the reigning champion, will be making his first title defence after a dominant run that saw him stop Israel Adesanya last year. Chimaev, unbeaten in his UFC career, earned his shot through a string of ruthless finishes and has promised to “smash anyone” standing between him and gold. The clash pits du Plessis’ precision striking and durability against Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and pressure, making it one of the most anticipated fights of 2025.
Away from the Octagon, the UFC has made waves with the announcement of a blockbuster broadcast deal with Paramount, worth over $1 billion annually. The new agreement, which doubles the organisation’s previous media rights fee, will bring select events to CBS starting in 2026, marking a significant push into mainstream, free-to-air television.
“This is a massive leap for the UFC,” president Dana White said. “We’ve built the biggest fight brand in the world, and now more fans than ever will have access to the biggest cards, live on network TV.”
Analysts see the deal as a move that could transform the UFC’s global reach, particularly in markets where pay-per-view limits audience size. With UFC 319 serving as a showcase for the sport’s intensity and star power, Chicago may just be the starting point for a new era in mixed martial arts.
