Khamzat expected to call out ex-champ, former sparring partner after beating Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has no shortage of available title contenders, like the red-hot Anthony Hernandez and the winner of this upcoming title eliminator. But Khamzat Chimaev may have someone else in mind if he manages to capture the crown from current 185-pound champion, Dricus du Plessis, at UFC 319 this weekend in Chicago.

“If Khamzat makes light work of Du Plessis, there aren’t many other fighters he could realistically call out besides Sean Strickland,” said BetIdeas Spokesman Steven

McQuillan. “Chimaev has previously welcomed a challenge from Strickland, and with Strickland being a former champion, it’s likely we’ll see Khamzat call him out once his current suspension is over.”

Strickland previously trained with “Borz” at Xtreme Couture.

Here are the Khamzat callout odds for UFC 319:

Sean Strickland -110
Paulo Costa +300
Nassourdine Imavov +400
Caio Borralho +600

No love for “Fluffy.”

Strickland, currently ranked No. 2 at 185 pounds, is unlikely to score a title shot against Chimaev because “Tarzan” is 0-2 in his last two title fights and coming off a decision loss to du Plessis at UFC 312 earlier this year in Sydney. Strickland (29-7) is also under disciplinary suspension for this drama last June.

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MIDDLEWEIGHT TITLE CAR CRASH! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) continues its 2025 pay-per-view (PPV) schedule on Sat., Aug. 16, 2025, with a blockbuster title fight set to headline UFC 319 from inside United Center in Chicago, Illinois. In UFC 319’s PPV main event, Middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, defends his title against undefeated No. 3-ranked contender, Khamzat Chimaev, in a high-stakes, five-round battle of unbeaten UFC records. UFC 319’s PPV co-main event features a Featherweight showdown between Lerone Murphy and promotional newcomer, Aaron Pico, a high-profile free-agent signing stepping in on short notice. UFC 319 will also showcase a Welterweight clash between Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates, a Middleweight bout pitting Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page, a Flyweight matchup featuring Tim Elliott vs. Kai Asakura, and much more! UFC 319’s start time is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET (“Early Prelims”), 8 p.m. ET (“Prelims” undercard), and 10 p.m. ET (PPV main card)

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

Where to Buy:

• Check price at STREAM UFC 319

For much more on this weekend’s Khamzat-Du Plessis title fight in Chicago click here.