“The Sniper” will be UFC 319’s backup fighter.
UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his title for the third time against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on August 16, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, the promotion announced yesterday.
On Weds., RMC Sport Combat reported that No. 1-ranked contender Nassourdine Imavov will serve as the official backup fighter, weighing in as a precaution and insurance policy.
INFO RMC SPORTNASSOURDINE IMAVOV REMPLAÇANT DU COMBAT POUR LE TITRE ENTRE DU PLESSIS ET CHIMAEV !
Le Français, actuellement n°1 chez les -84kg, est désigné remplaçant officiel pour le combat prévu le 16 août à l’UFC 319.
Une nouvelle opportunité en or pour la… pic.twitter.com/jsKDKMrrMH
— RMC Sport Combat (@RMCSportCombat) May 14, 2025
The decision makes complete sense because Chimaev has a history of not being able to make it to his fights- lets hope that doesn’t happen later this year.
Nevertheless, it seems as if Imavov’s plan for holding out (and turning down fights) for a potential title shot might pay off as his countrywomen, Manon Fiorot weighed in as a backup for UFC 306 and cashed it in for a title fight.
The 29-year-old French star is coming off a career-defining victory, stopping former champion Israel Adesanya just 30 seconds into the second round at UFC Saudi Arabia earlier this year (watch highlights).
Riding a five-fight win streak since his loss to Sean Strickland, Imavov has defeated top contenders like Brendan Allen, Jared Cannonier, and Roman Dolidze, cementing his elite status.
With Imavov ready in the wings, UFC 319 is poised for an electrifying title fight, backed by a formidable contingency plan.
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