UFC 319 is just about six weeks away.

Now that Khamzat Chimaev has officially secured entrance into the United States, there’s nothing stopping “Borz” from challenging for UFC gold. Standing in his way is current kingpin Dricus Du Plessis, the South African mauler who has continually exceeded expectations to capture and defend the Middleweight crown. As long as there are no last-second injuries or illnesses, it should be one of the biggest main events of 2025.

One interested viewer will be Robert Whittaker, the former champion who has faced both men at various points in his career. “The Reaper” lost to Du Plessis via tapout in 2023 at UFC 290, whereas Chimaev strangled Whittaker last October in the very first round to secure the most impressive win of his career.

Safe to say, he knows their strengths and weaknesses better than most.

Despite those losses, Whittaker still aims to work back into title contention before his career is up. Analyzing the upcoming title match up, Whittaker actually leans towards the side of a “Stillknocks” upset, though he believes the bout entirely hinges on whether or not Du Plessis can survive on the canvas in the early goings.

“I have to say Dricus would be a favorite,” Whittaker explained to Fox Sports Australia. “Or he probably is the favorite. I think I’m leaning towards Dricus. The question, the whole thing can be summed up in — Chimaev will take him down. It’s will he finish him before he gets back up? That’s the million dollar question. If he doesn’t finish him on the ground, I think he loses.”

Whittaker might be interested to learn that Chimaev the challenger is actually a somewhat substantial favorite. The odds makers believe he’ll secure that early finish, but we won’t find out one way or another until August 16 in Chicago.