Dricus du Plessis Accused of Ducking Brendan Allen Ahead of UFC Vegas 122

Dricus du Plessis is once again at the center of the UFC middleweight division's drama, with top contender Brendan Allen publicly accusing the former champion of ducking him. The accusation comes as Allen prepares to headline UFC Vegas 122 against Christian Leroy Duncan on October 10, a fight he sees as a stepping stone to a clash with du Plessis.

Brendan Allen is not holding back. He insists a fight with Dricus du Plessis was in the works earlier this year before du Plessis instead fought Kamaru Usman in May. Allen, who holds the No. 5 ranking and is on a three-fight win streak, believes the switch was intentional. "I know he's had the opportunity to fight me, and he took the easier route," Allen said. He argues that Usman, a former welterweight champion moving up in weight and age at 39, represented a less dangerous challenge. Allen claims he is bigger, stronger, and faster, framing du Plessis's choice as one of convenience over competition. This public call-out adds significant heat to the division's upper echelons.

While Allen voices his frustrations, Dricus du Plessis has his eyes on the belt he lost last year. The South African star has beaten current champion Sean Strickland twice, which positions him strongly for another title shot. He recently commented on Strickland's expected next defense against Nassourdine Imavov. Du Plessis suggested Imavov hasn't evolved enough to dethrone Strickland, a statement that shows his own confidence and his perceived place as the division's true top contender. The title scene remains fluid, however, with Strickland also engaged in a public pay dispute with the UFC.

A fresh and intriguing possibility has emerged from an old rivalry. Du Plessis has expressed openness to a third fight with Roberto Soldic, who just made a successful UFC debut on October 3. Their history is split: du Plessis won the KSW welterweight title from Soldic via second-round TKO in April 2018, only for Soldic to reclaim it with a third-round knockout in their rematch six months later. "A super fight could happen down the line," du Plessis said. He noted that Soldic, long considered among the best fighters outside the UFC, now faces a higher level of competition. For the trilogy to materialize, Soldic would need to move up from welterweight, as du Plessis now competes exclusively at middleweight.

The target on du Plessis's back is growing. His main event opponent this weekend, Christian Leroy Duncan, is already looking past Allen. The British fighter, ranked No. 10, stated he would eye a fight with du Plessis next, or even a direct title shot, if he wins at UFC Vegas 122. "I don't see why not," Duncan said. This highlights how du Plessis's name is a magnet for ambitious contenders, serving as a benchmark for anyone climbing the rankings. The outcome of this weekend's headliner will directly influence who gets to make that call next.

• Brendan Allen fights Christian Leroy Duncan in the UFC Vegas 122 main event on October 10.
• Allen accuses du Plessis of opting to fight Kamaru Usman in May instead of him.
• Du Plessis is open to a UFC trilogy with Roberto Soldic, who debuted with a win on October 3.
• Multiple contenders view a fight with du Plessis as a direct path to title contention.