Dricus du Plessis Sidelined by Injury as Chimaev Seeks New

Dricus du Plessis is injured and unavailable for a potential fight with Khamzat Chimaev, a development that significantly alters the UFC middleweight landscape. The news comes as Chimaev, the former champion, is actively seeking an opponent for his planned October return.

What is Dricus du Plessis's current status?

Du Plessis is on the sidelines. Khamzat Chimaev stated that the UFC informed him both du Plessis and fellow contender Caio Borralho are currently injured. This removes the South African from immediate contention as Chimaev looks to book his next fight. Du Plessis has not publicly commented on the nature or severity of the injury.

How does this affect the middleweight title scene?

The injury news clarifies the path for the next title challenger. With du Plessis out, the UFC is moving forward with a bout between champion Sean Strickland and top contender Nassourdine Imavov. Chimaev acknowledged Imavov deserves the shot but positioned himself as a ready replacement should that fight fall through. He told Red Corner MMA, "Maybe Imavov and Strickland won't fight and I'll be ready." Strickland is himself recovering from injuries sustained in his title-winning performance against Chimaev at UFC 328 this past May.

What is the context of du Plessis's recent run?

Before this setback, du Plessis authored one of the most remarkable rises in recent UFC history. He bulldozed through former champion Robert Whitaker, outlasted the relentless pressure of Sean Strickland in a grueling fight, and then stunned the world by finishing the legendary Israel Adesanya in his first title defense. This trio of victories, achieved against the odds, completely reshaped the 185-pound division and cemented his legacy. You can track the division's evolving landscape on our [standings](/standings) page.

Who is Khamzat Chimaev targeting now?

Chimaev's shortlist has been effectively cut in half. He initially called out four fighters: Strickland, Imavov, du Plessis, and Borralho. With the latter two injured and the first two slated to fight for the belt, Chimaev is in a holding pattern. He remains adamant about staying at middleweight and is desperate for a rematch with Strickland, the man who handed him his first professional loss. "I am waiting for it even tomorrow," Chimaev said about fighting Strickland again.

What is Dricus du Plessis's financial standing?

While his competitive future is on pause, du Plessis's success in the octagon has translated into significant financial gain. Specific figures from his net worth, salary, and UFC earnings were highlighted in recent reports, though the exact numbers were not detailed in the provided sources. His championship victory and high-profile defenses against elite opponents like Adesanya have undoubtedly positioned him as one of the sport's top earners.

• Dricus du Plessis is injured and unavailable for a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.
• Champion Sean Strickland is expected to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov next.
• Chimaev lost his middleweight title and undefeated record to Strickland at UFC 328 in May 2026.
• Du Plessis's career-defining wins include victories over Robert Whitaker, Strickland, and Israel Adesanya.

The middleweight division is in a state of flux. Du Plessis's injury creates an opening, while Chimaev's eagerness adds pressure for the UFC to book a meaningful fight for the fall. All eyes are now on the scheduled Strickland-Imavov bout, which will determine the next chapter for the 185-pound crown. For updates on fighter availability, check our [injuries](/injuries) page.