Dricus du Plessis is set to fight Khamzat Chimaev, with a verbal agreement in place for a matchup by September, and he is focused on defending his UFC middleweight title regardless of potential changes in opponents.
Dricus du Plessis is itching to step back into the octagon, with Khamzat Chimaev as his next opponent. They’ve verbally agreed to fight, eyeing two potential dates, no later than September. Exciting, right?
“We have a date,” du Plessis mentioned. “Actually, two possible dates. I’ve agreed to both. It’s happening this year, 100 percent. Not far away at all. Announcement coming soon.” Rumors about injuries? Nonsense, he says. “We agreed on a date ages ago.”
Waiting on the contract, but he’s ready. “It’s happening soon, within four months max. I’m ready for any date they give me,” he added. Confident, isn’t he?
Recently, du Plessis squashed rumors about missing 2025 due to injury. Just chatter, he insists. Coming off a win over Sean Strickland in February, he’s 9-0 in the UFC. Impressive streak.
If Chimaev is announced soon, du Plessis is eager to counter his wrestling. “His wrestling is world-class,” he admits. “But this is MMA, not just wrestling. I’ll prove I’m the greatest.”
“Yes, his wrestling is great,” du Plessis continued. “But you’re only as good as your opponent lets you be. I won’t let him look good.”
Critics often question his unorthodox style, yet his undefeated record speaks volumes. Six finishes in nine wins, including victories over Adesanya and Whittaker. Not bad, huh?
Chimaev poses the next challenge—if he shows up. He’s been inactive, with only four fights in three years. Du Plessis? Unfazed.
Does it matter if it’s Chimaev or someone else? Not really. “I don’t worry about things out of my control,” du Plessis said. “UFC always has a plan. I’m ready for whoever steps in.”