UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is looking forward to his next bout, and it appears Khamzat Chimaev will be his opponent.
During an appearance on The Sias du Plessis Show, the reigning champion disclosed that a verbal agreement to fight Chimaev has been reached. He mentioned two potential dates for the matchup, stating it will definitely happen no later than September.
Du Plessis confirmed, “We have a date, potentially two. I already agreed to both.” He assured fans the fight is happening “100 percent” this year and isn`t far off, with an official announcement coming soon. He also dismissed recent rumors about him being injured as “ridiculous,” clarifying that he and the UFC had agreed on a date “a while ago.”
He added, “I`m just waiting for the contract, but that’s the fight that’s happening.” He anticipates the fight taking place within the next “couple of months, maximum four months.” Despite the contract not being signed yet, he reiterated his willingness, saying, “Any date that they gave me, I said, `Cool. Ready. Let`s do it.`”
Du Plessis recently shut down social media speculation that he would be out for the rest of 2025 due to injury. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over rival Sean Strickland this past February at UFC 312, a fight that was his second consecutive successful title defense and improved his UFC record to 9-0.
If Chimaev is officially named as his challenger, Du Plessis expressed excitement about the prospect of neutralizing Chimaev`s renowned wrestling skills, similar to how he has handled the elite abilities of his previous opponents.
“His wrestling is world class,” du Plessis stated. “It’s phenomenal. But so is Israel Adesanya’s striking… So is Sean Strickland’s boxing. World class… This is not striking, this is not wrestling, this is not grappling, this is MMA.” He emphasized his goal isn`t merely to counter Chimaev`s wrestling but to solidify his status: “when the night comes, it’s not about teaching him a lesson, it’s about proving once again that I will be the greatest of all-time and doing whatever I have to to prove that.”
He further elaborated on his approach to facing Chimaev`s ground game: “yes, I know his wrestling is great, it is, 100 percent. He’s proven it… but you’re only as good as your opponent lets you and I won’t let you look good.” He concluded confidently, “I can let you look good, but I can’t let you win, unfortunately.”
While his unconventional style has drawn criticism, Du Plessis`s results in the octagon are undeniable. He remains undefeated in the UFC and has secured finishes in six of his nine victories, including a submission win over Israel Adesanya and a knockout against Robert Whittaker.
Overcoming Chimaev`s formidable reputation is seen as the next major challenge for Du Plessis, provided Chimaev makes it to the cage. Chimaev has faced issues with inactivity, competing only four times in the last three years.
However, Du Plessis appears unfazed by potential opponent changes. He maintains his readiness to defend the belt regardless of whether it is Chimaev or someone else.
Regarding the possibility of Chimaev withdrawing, Du Plessis commented, “Those are the kinds of forces that don’t bother me because I try not to be concerned about things that I have no control over.” He trusts the promotion`s ability to adapt: “The UFC always finds a plan.” Reaffirming his mindset, he added, “I don’t prepare for Khamzat. I prepare to be the best Dricus. So after that, if he pulls out fight week, UFC will get somebody else… and whoever they put in there, I’ll be ready for it.”
