Du Plessis has been one of the most dominant fighters over the past couple of years. Since his first fight in the UFC in 2020, the South African contestant has not lost a match, winning the Middleweight belt at UFC 290 in 2023. He has since defended the title thrice, two wins coming by decision.

Middleweights Baisangur Susurkaev and Eric Nolan were added to the card in the featured prelim slot for their official UFC debuts. Susurkaev was a first-round winner on the Contender Series just four days ago while Nolan arrives having won four straight and eight of 11 overall in the Cage Fury Fighting Championships promotion.

CHICAGO – UFC 319 ceremonial fighter weigh-ins take place Friday, and you can catch a live video stream of the proceedings here on MMA Junkie at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT). The ceremonial weigh-ins take place at Radius Chicago. It's not far from United Center, which hosts Saturday's card ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).