UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis has clarified reports concerning his health and future fight plans.
Speculation arose recently about a possible injury preventing the champion from competing, prompting potential contenders like Khamzat Chimaev and Caio Borralho to publicly challenge him for allegedly being unavailable to defend his belt. Du Plessis addressed these rumors via a statement released to social media on Thursday.
Du Plessis acknowledged the circulation of various opinions, rumors, and stories, specifically mentioning claims of a broken shin and other injuries.
He stated that while he found the speculation “very entertaining,” none of it was accurate. He confirmed that he and the UFC have already discussed a fight date and opponent, clarifying that a rumored June fight was never signed and he has not withdrawn from any bout. Asserting his position as champion, he instructed potential challengers to “just show up when we tell you to,” adding that a fight announcement is expected “soon.”
While du Plessis didn`t give a specific date for the fight announcement or the fight itself, he indicated plans to defend his title again in 2025.
Having a professional record of 23-2, the South African star most recently defended his championship title in a rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February, winning by unanimous decision. This marked his second consecutive title defense, following a fourth-round submission victory over Israel Adesanya, which the source also places at UFC 312. Du Plessis boasts an undefeated record across all nine of his UFC appearances.
The next challenger is likely to be either the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev or Caio Borralho. Chimaev holds a 14-0 professional record with 13 finishes, while Borralho is currently on a 17-fight unbeaten run, including a 7-0 record within the UFC.
