UFC 319 Top Picks: The Middleweight Title Showdown and Underdog Gems

The excitement is building for UFC 319, an event that feels like a classic showdown, with a blockbuster title fight and an intriguing undercard. This pay-per-view, which could mark the end of an era, pits an irresistible force against an immovable object. Our experts have broken down the main event and a top underdog pick, providing you with the insights you need before the bell rings.

A Battle for the Middleweight Crown

Dricus Du Plessis (+203) vs. Khamzat Chimaev

This middleweight championship fight between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is arguably the biggest fight left on the docket for the rest of the year. It's a clash of styles that pits Chimaev's relentless aggression against Du Plessis's unbreakable spirit. At the current odds, our experts see the value in picking the underdog.

The Case for the Upset: Chimaev's dominance is undeniable, as he's shown he can overwhelm opponents with his sheer power and vice-like grip. However, he has not excelled in fights that have gone deep into the later rounds. Du Plessis, on the other hand, is a master of weathering an early storm and dragging championship-level opponents into deep waters where he can drown them. If he can survive the early onslaught, his chances of an upset win increase dramatically.

The Underdog Hunter

Gerald Meerschaert (+188) vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk

When Gerald Meerschaert is on the card, he is almost always the underdog pick, and for good reason. "GM3" has built a career out of securing submission victories after withstanding a barrage of early punishment. His style is a high-risk, high-reward one: he either gets punched out in the first round or he finds a way to get the submission later in the fight.

The Path to Victory: Meerschaert will look to survive the early onslaught of Michal Oleksiejczuk, whose resume is littered with first-round knockouts. However, Oleksiejczuk has shown vulnerabilities on the ground, with a "fish out of water" submission defense that Meerschaert can exploit. If GM3 can get the fight to the mat, he could be just a few moves away from a submission victory. His 36 career submission wins are a testament to his skill and why he is a constant threat on the ground.