Dricus du Plessis Sidelined with Injury, Removed

South Africa's UFC middleweight star Dricus du Plessis is currently out of the immediate title picture due to an injury. The news comes from former champion Khamzat Chimaev, who stated the UFC informed him that du Plessis and fellow contender Caio Borralho are both sidelined, narrowing his own options for a return fight.

Why is Dricus du Plessis not fighting Khamzat Chimaev next?

Chimaev had recently named four potential opponents for his comeback, including du Plessis, Borralho, Sean Strickland, and Nassourdine Imavov. Speaking to Red Corner MMA after a wrestling win in Moscow, Chimaev provided a clear update. "They told me that Caio and du Plessis are injured," Chimaev said. "We'll see what happens, I don't know exactly." This removes the South African from the short-term conversation, shifting Chimaev's focus to the other names on his list.

Chimaev's desire is for a fast return, ideally in October. He has expressed readiness to step in if the expected title fight between Strickland and Imavov falls through. "Maybe Imavov and Strickland won't fight and I'll be ready," Chimaev noted. The former champion lost his middleweight belt to Strickland at UFC 328 in May of this year, a defeat that snapped his undefeated record.

How does this injury affect the UFC middleweight landscape?

The injury news creates a logjam in the upper tier of the 185-pound division. With du Plessis and Borralho unavailable, the path seems set for Strickland to defend his title against the surging Imavov. Chimaev is now positioned as the primary backup for that contest. For du Plessis, the timing is a setback. He had been a logical next challenger after his own impressive run, which fans can track on our [standings](/standings) page.

This development halts any momentum for a potential rematch with Chimaev, who took the title from du Plessis last year. It also delays du Plessis's own quest to climb back into championship contention. The UFC has not provided a timeline for his recovery, leaving his next move uncertain.

What was Dricus du Plessis's recent path to the top?

Before this injury, du Plessis authored one of the most remarkable rises in recent UFC history. A video feature from 7 September 2026 highlighted his stunning run. He bulldozed through former champion Robert Whitaker, survived the relentless pressure of Sean Strickland, and then stunned the world by finishing the great Israel Adesanya in his first title defense.

Each victory shattered expectations and forced a reevaluation of his skills. His chaotic, powerful style turned doubters into believers and left the middleweight division in a state of shock. That legacy of resilience makes his current absence all the more significant for the weight class.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Dricus du Plessis is injured, according to Khamzat Chimaev, and is not an option for Chimaev's next fight.
• Chimaev says the UFC informed him of the injury, narrowing his return options to Sean Strickland or Nassourdine Imavov.
• Du Plessis's injury pauses his momentum after a historic run where he defeated Robert Whitaker, Sean Strickland, and Israel Adesanya.
• Khamzat Chimaev is ready to return in October and will serve as a backup for the expected Strickland-Imavov title fight.

Story 1 regarding a record-breaking bull sale involves the Du Plessis rugby-playing brothers Jannie and Bismarck, not the UFC athlete Dricus du Plessis, and was therefore not included in this editorial round-up. For updates on his recovery and potential return date, fans should monitor our [injuries](/injuries) page.