Undefeated and heavily hyped challenger Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) did his part on the scale at official weigh-ins from the UFC host hotel, locking in his championship showdown with reigning titleholder Du Plessis (23-2 MMA, 9-0 UFC). The fight headlines the event at United Center ( ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+).

While the UFC 319 card was already complete, the matchmakers granted him his wish, booking the undefeated competitor against Eric Nolan just four days after his win at the Apex in Las Vegas. Susurkaev now has a huge opportunity to follow in Chimaev’s footsteps by instantly announcing himself in the promotion.