Looking forward to returning to the octagon, UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is set to face Khamzat Chimaev.
Speaking recently, the reigning champion confirmed that he and Chimaev have verbally agreed to a fight, with potential dates in mind. He expects the fight to happen no later than September.
Du Plessis elaborated, stating:
“So we have a date, but we have potential of two dates. I already agreed to both… Yes, 100 percent [it`s this year]. It`s not far away… The announcement will be made soon.” He dismissed recent injury rumors as “ridiculous,” adding, “We`ve already agreed on a date. That`s been a while ago.”
He continued:
“So I`m just waiting for the contract, but that`s the fight that`s happening. It`s going to be happening in the next couple of months, maximum four months… Nothing is signed, but I`ve already agreed to any date… I said, `Cool. Ready. Let`s do it.`”
Du Plessis recently debunked rumors suggesting he would be sidelined for the remainder of 2025 due to injury. He is fresh off a unanimous decision victory over rival Sean Strickland in February at UFC 312, which marked his second successful title defense and extended his UFC record to an impressive 9-0.
If Chimaev is confirmed as the opponent, du Plessis is eager to test himself against his wrestling prowess, much like he has faced and overcome the elite skills of his previous adversaries.
Acknowledging Chimaev`s skills, du Plessis stated:
“His wrestling is world class. It`s phenomenal.” However, he drew parallels to facing “Israel Adesanya`s striking… [and] Sean Strickland`s boxing. World class.” He stressed that MMA is a complete sport, not just one discipline: “This is not striking, this is not wrestling, this is not grappling, this is MMA.” He concluded that his focus is on proving he`s “the greatest of all-time” rather than simply teaching Chimaev a lesson.
He reiterated:
“Yes, I know his wrestling is great, it is, 100 percent… but you`re only as good as your opponent lets you and I won`t let you look good… I can`t let you win, unfortunately.”
Despite facing criticism for his unconventional style, du Plessis`s results speak for themselves. Undefeated in the octagon, he has secured finishes in six of his nine victories, notably submitting Israel Adesanya and knocking out Robert Whittaker.
Taking on Chimaev presents the next significant challenge for du Plessis, provided Chimaev makes it to the cage. Chimaev has faced issues with inactivity, competing just four times over the past three years.
Fortunately for du Plessis, the potential opponent doesn`t seem to faze him; he`s simply ready to defend his title.
Regarding the possibility of Chimaev withdrawing, du Plessis remarked:
“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. The UFC always finds a plan.” 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.”
