When is Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev? UFC Middleweight Champion Drops Update

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis confirms fighting top contender Khamzat Chimaev next, but isn't sure about the particular date.

When is Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev? UFC Middleweight Champion Drops Update

Dricus Du Plessis gives an update about the Khamzat Chimaev fight (via X/Imago)

Dricus Du Plessis is eager to return and defend his title, aiming to battle the dangerous Khamzat Chimaev next. Both middleweight fighters have exchanged verbal agreements, sparking excitement, though fans still await an official UFC confirmation or fight date. According to Du Plessis, negotiations are progressing smoothly, and the highly anticipated showdown will soon become a confirmed event.

Previously, it was rumoured that Chimaev and Du Plessis will fight each other at the International Fight Week event in June. However, the rumors were shut down, and it was declared that the middleweight champion was injured and unable to compete. However, in a recent interview, the fighter shut down all the claims and even gave a massive update about the fight.

We have a date, but we have the potential of two dates. I already agreed to both. It’s this year, 100%. The announcement will be made soon……. I’m just waiting for the contract, but that’s the fight that’s happening. It’s gonna be happening in a maximum of 4 months.

Dricus Du Plessis via The Sias Du Plessis show 

According to Du Plessis, the news about the injury was fake, and he has no idea where the rumor originally came from. Both he and his coach have already stressed it via interviews and social media platforms to clear all the confusion publicly. Chimaev, on the other hand, had been busy on social media, trading insults at DDP in order to build hype.

The ‘Borz’ is undefeated in his MMA career and is regarded as the best wrestler currently on the UFC roster. He has beaten big names such as Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Kamaru Usman among others to become a legitimate threat. In his last fight, Chimaev broke former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker’s jaw via a brutal face crank submission technique.

Due to the massive hype, he is the betting favorite against Dricus Du Plessis in the upcoming UFC middleweight title fight. However, many want to put their money on DDP for his latest performances and undefeated run inside the octagon. Nevertheless, it is definitely going to be a competitive fight which could shape the future of the middleweight division.

UFC Africa event with Dricus Du Plessis has logistical complications

As the premier MMA promotion in the world, the UFC is always eager to spread its influence in new markets. For this, they have been frequently talking about a pay-per-view fight in Africa, but nothing has happened. With Dricus Du Plessis becoming middleweight champion, the long-discussed UFC Africa event now feels more realistic and incredibly closer than before.

Dricus Du Plessis talks in detail about the African UFC event
Dricus Du Plessis talks in detail about the African UFC event (via X)

UFC CEO Dana White has shown interest previously, and Du Plessis’ title win reignited momentum towards hosting a groundbreaking event on African soil. However, there is a huge catch and it has to do with the huge ticket prices of UFC events. DDP recently talked about this in detail and also got the backing from African Sports minister, Gayton Mackenzie. 

This is absolutely the truth, we proposed a stadium, but that was not approved. @UFC is truly going out of their way to make a fight in Africa possible. We are at the stage where we speaking to sponsors to subsidize tickets. Thanks Champ @dricusduplessis. 

Gayton Mackenzie via X 

According to Du Plessis, in order for the UFC to make profit in an arena in Africa, they need to sell tickets. But the prices can only be cut down if the event is made larger with involvement of some of the biggest sponsors. A UFC Africa event featuring African-born or based champions like Du Plessis would be historic, uniting fans and celebrating MMA’s global expansion.

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