Darren Till Weighs In on UFC 319 Title Clash Between Dricus, Khamzat

News Desk

Islamabad: Former UFC title challenger Darren Till has offered his unique perspective on the upcoming UFC 319 main event, which will see Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis defend his belt against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev on Aug. 16, 2025, at United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Till’s insight carries weight—he has trained extensively with Chimaev and also faced du Plessis in the Octagon.

In 2022, Till and Chimaev formed a close friendship while training together in Las Vegas, earning the nickname “Smesh Bros” after spending time outside the gym driving fast cars, firing machine guns, and even sharing a questionable tattoo.

Till also cornered Chimaev during his wild battle with Gilbert Burns that same year.

Later in 2022, Till fought du Plessis, losing via third-round submission after a competitive start. In the second round, he enjoyed some of the most successful striking exchanges anyone has had against the South African champion.

Though he still wants a rematch, Till admits it’s unlikely given du Plessis now holds the UFC title and he himself is no longer under contract with the promotion.

Speaking to Compare.bet, Till predicted a tough night for both men. “DDP will be facing the highest level of wrestling, especially in MMA. Can Khamzat beat him early on? Most definitely. But can DDP give Khamzat hell? Most definitely,” he said.

Till believes the fight slightly favours Chimaev—“I think it’s 60-40 in Khamzat’s favour”—but questioned whether his former training partner has the stamina for deep waters. Still, he expects Chimaev’s work with top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan to pay off.

“I think it’s going to be a demolition job… but don’t be surprised if DDP gives him problems because he is a phenomenal fighter,” he added.

While offering his MMA analysis, Till is currently focused on his boxing career. He is scheduled to meet former UFC Middleweight champion Luke Rockhold in the co-main event of Misfits Boxing 22: Ring of Thrones on Aug. 30, 2025, at AO Arena in Manchester, England, airing live on DAZN pay-per-view.

UFC 319 will feature a stacked card beyond the main event. The co-main will see a high-profile Featherweight bout between Lerone Murphy and promotional newcomer Aaron Pico, a recent free-agent signing making his debut on short notice.

Also confirmed are a Welterweight clash between Geoff Neal and Carlos Prates, a Middleweight bout featuring Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page, and a Flyweight contest pitting Tim Elliott against Kai Asakura, among other matchups.

The event begins with “Early Prelims” at 6 pm, followed by “Prelims” at 8pm, and the pay-per-view main card at 10pm.