Dricus du Plessis suggested that Khamzat Chimaev may not make it to their scheduled fight at UFC 319 following the recent announcement of a backup fighter.

Chimaev (14-0) earned his title shot by brutally submitting Whittaker in October, pushing Whittaker's front teeth out of alignment. Chimaev is 8-0 in the UFC with seven finishes. He also holds a majority decision win over former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman.

Perhaps the most anticipated UFC middleweight championship fight in recent memory will take center stage toward the end of the summer. Dricus Du Plessis will attempt to make the third defense of his title reign when he meets undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 on Aug.