Rumors swirling around UFC Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and his next title defense appear to have been largely put to rest, though uncertainty remains regarding the date and location. Reports had suggested the champion was injured and potentially sidelined, throwing into question a highly anticipated bout against Khamzat Chimaev, widely expected to occur at UFC 317 during International Fight Week in June.
Adding fuel to the speculation, fellow top contender Caio Borralho publicly stated he heard Du Plessis suffered a serious injury, perhaps a broken shin, that would require a six-month recovery. Borralho used this claim to lobby for an interim title fight against Chimaev in the champion's presumed absence.
However, Du Plessis himself released a statement on injury rumors through social media, dismissing them as entertaining but untrue. He asserted that he had already discussed a fight date and opponent with the UFC and clarified that the June fight was never formally signed.
Providing further clarity, Du Plessis' head coach, Morne Visser, confirmed the injury rumors were false. He also addressed the status of the planned fight with Khamzat Chimaev.
Speaking to Submission Radio, Visser stated the fight against Chimaev is indeed the plan and is essentially "a done deal," though a contract had not yet been signed.
Visser explicitly denied the fight would take place at UFC 317 on June 28. He mentioned the promotion had other plans for that date.
While not confirming a specific date or venue, Visser indicated they expect a contract from the UFC within the next two weeks, with an announcement potentially following soon after. He speculated the fight could happen as early as August or maybe September.
The coach also offered a preferred location for the matchup. He stated they would like to fight Chimaev in the U.A.E., citing the challenger's large fanbase there.
Du Plessis most recently competed in February at UFC 312 when he defeated Sean Strickland a second time to defend his middleweight title. He holds a 23-2 professional record and is undefeated in his nine UFC appearances. Chimaev remains unbeaten at 14-0.
Ultimately, while the highly anticipated clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is expected, the date and location remain unconfirmed, definitely ruling out the previously rumored UFC 317 spot. "We're fighting Khamzat, we're waiting for the contract, so it's a done deal," Visser said.
