Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has provided an intriguing update regarding his upcoming fight. Following his recent title loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in 2025, du Plessis has been actively preparing for his return to the octagon. He has expressed his eagerness to get back to winning ways and has hinted that an official fight announcement is imminent.
Rumors have circulated in recent weeks suggesting a potential showdown between du Plessis and former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman, possibly headlining UFC Oklahoma City in July. Usman, who recently snapped a three-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in 2025, has expressed interest in significant fights at this stage of his career, with a bout against a former middleweight king like du Plessis fitting that description.
Du Plessis, in a recent social media update, clarified the reason behind the delay in the official fight announcement. He stated that while his side of the agreement is “signed and sealed,” his opponent has yet to formally commit, suggesting a degree of hesitation. Du Plessis alluded to his opponent’s reluctance to “sign the dotted line” due to the nature of the purse, implying they are “smart” and “scared.” He apologized for the extended wait but assured fans that his preparations are well underway.
This potential matchup against Usman, should it materialize, presents another significant challenge for du Plessis, especially considering the control Chimaev exerted over him for a considerable portion of their last fight. However, the time spent since his title loss has allowed du Plessis to focus on improving his weaknesses, including takedown defense and ground game. A fight against Usman could serve as a crucial opportunity for him to demonstrate his development and regain his winning momentum.
