Dricus du Plessis Sidelined by Injury as Coach Calls

Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is on the sidelines with an injury, a development that has reshaped the landscape of the 185-pound division. The South African fighter was recently named as a potential opponent for Khamzat Chimaev, but that matchup is now off the table.

Coach Visser pushes for a third fight with Sean Strickland

Even while du Plessis recovers, his team is looking ahead. His head coach, Morne Visser, has publicly called for a trilogy bout against long-time rival Sean Strickland. Du Plessis holds two decision wins over Strickland, the first a split decision at UFC 297 in January 2024 and the second a unanimous decision at UFC 312 in February 2025. Visser believes a third fight would be the easiest yet. "With Sean the second time, it was just so much easier for us," Visser said. "Imagine the third time with Sean, how easy that's going to be because you figure that guy out."

Visser also weighed in on the upcoming middleweight title picture, predicting Strickland will successfully defend his belt against Nassourdine Imavov in a rematch expected later this year. He sees that outcome as a clear path back to a title shot for his fighter.

Injury removes du Plessis from Khamzat Chimaev's shortlist

The immediate future for du Plessis involves recovery, not competition. Khamzat Chimaev, the man who took the middleweight title from du Plessis in 2025, recently listed four fighters he wanted to face next. Du Plessis and Brazilian contender Caio Borralho were on that list. Chimaev, however, revealed the UFC informed him both men are currently injured. "They told me that Caio and du Plessis are injured," Chimaev stated. "We'll see what happens, I don't know exactly."

This news came just days after Borralho had accepted Chimaev's callout, proposing a November fight. With those options unavailable, Chimaev has positioned himself as a potential replacement should the planned Strickland vs. Imavov title fight fall apart.

Chimaev awaits a rematch after losing his title

Chimaev's own focus appears fixed on reclaiming the belt he lost. He won the title with a dominant unanimous decision over du Plessis last year. His first defense ended in a stunning upset loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May 2026, which also marked his first professional defeat. Chimaev has made it clear he wants that fight back. "I am waiting for it even tomorrow," he said about a Strickland rematch. For now, he must wait as Strickland prepares to face Imavov.

Du Plessis remains a top financial earner in South African sport

Despite the current competitive pause, du Plessis's success in the Octagon has cemented his financial standing. He is among the wealthiest sporting figures in South Africa, with his fortune built through UFC fight purses and endorsement deals. His biggest payday came in early 2025 during one of the most high-profile fights of his career. He recently returned to winning ways with a unanimous decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City, a result that kept him in the championship conversation.

• Dricus du Plessis is injured, removing him from consideration for a fight with Khamzat Chimaev.
• His coach, Morne Visser, is campaigning for a trilogy fight with current champion Sean Strickland.
• Du Plessis holds two prior wins over Strickland, at UFC 297 in January 2024 and UFC 312 in February 2025.
• Chimaev, who beat du Plessis for the title in 2025, lost it to Strickland at UFC 328 in May 2026.