UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is eager to step back into the Octagon, and his next opponent is expected to be Khamzat Chimaev.
Speaking on The Sias du Plessis Show, du Plessis revealed that he and Chimaev have verbally agreed to face each other, with discussions centering around two potential dates. According to the champion, the fight is slated to occur no later than September.
Du Plessis confirmed, “So we have a date. But we have potential of two dates. I already agreed to both.” He assured fans that the fight is “100 percent” happening this year and is “not far away,” with an official announcement anticipated soon. He dismissed recent rumors about him being injured, stating, “All these rumors that came out with injuries… it was ridiculous.” He added that he had agreed to a date “a while ago” and is now simply awaiting the formal contract.
He reiterated the timeframe, saying the fight is expected “in the next couple of months, maximum four months.” While nothing is officially signed yet, he confirmed his commitment, stating, “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 sidelined for the remainder of 2025 due to injury. He is coming off a unanimous decision victory over rival Sean Strickland in February at UFC 312, marking his second consecutive successful title defense and extending his perfect UFC record to 9-0.
Should Chimaev be confirmed as his next challenger, du Plessis expressed confidence in his ability to neutralize Chimaev`s formidable wrestling, drawing parallels to how he has overcome the high-level skills of past opponents.
“His wrestling is world class,” du Plessis acknowledged. “It`s phenomenal. But so is Israel Adesanya`s striking, right? So is Sean Strickland`s boxing. World class.” He emphasized that MMA is a composite sport, not just wrestling, grappling, or striking. While respecting Chimaev`s proven wrestling prowess, du Plessis stated his focus is on performing at his best to solidify his legacy. “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.”
“Because yes, I know his wrestling is great, it is, 100 percent. He’s proven it,” he continued. “But you’re only as good as your opponent lets you and I won’t let you look good. I can let you look good, but I can’t let you win, unfortunately.”
Du Plessis`s unorthodox fighting style has often drawn criticism, yet his results in the cage are undeniable. He is undefeated in the UFC, boasting a 9-0 record with six finishes, including significant wins via submission over Israel Adesanya and knockout over Robert Whittaker.
The task of overcoming Chimaev`s imposing reputation represents the next major test for du Plessis, assuming the fight materializes. Chimaev has faced challenges with ring rust and inactivity, competing only four times in the past three years.
However, du Plessis remains unperturbed, stating that it doesn`t matter whether his opponent is Khamzat Chimaev or someone else; he is simply ready to defend his championship again.
“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,” du Plessis remarked regarding the possibility of Chimaev withdrawing. He trusts that “The UFC always finds a plan.” Du Plessis clarified his training philosophy: “I don’t prepare for Khamzat. I prepare to be the best Dricus.” He concluded with readiness, stating, “So after that, if he pulls out fight week, UFC will get somebody else. There’s a lot of contenders right now, and whoever they put in there, I’ll be ready for it.”
