Dricus du Plessis Sidelined by Injury as UFC Middleweight

Dricus du Plessis is out of the immediate UFC middleweight conversation due to an injury. The former champion's status was revealed by rival Khamzat Chimaev, who was told by the UFC that both du Plessis and Caio Borralho are currently unavailable to fight.

Chimaev had publicly named four fighters he wanted to face next, including du Plessis. His plans for a quick October return have now been disrupted. "They told me that Caio and du Plessis are injured," Chimaev told Red Corner MMA. "We’ll see what happens, I don’t know exactly." The nature and severity of du Plessis's injury have not been disclosed by the UFC or his team. This development freezes any potential matchup with Chimaev, who is eager to fight again after losing his title and undefeated record to Sean Strickland at UFC 328 this past May.

While du Plessis recovers, his coach is already looking ahead. The target is a third fight with current champion Sean Strickland. Du Plessis and Strickland have a storied rivalry, having split their two previous encounters. Strickland took the middleweight title from Chimaev in May, and he is now expected to make his first defense against top contender Nassourdine Imavov. Du Plessis's camp sees a path back to the belt through Strickland, should he retain it. This sets up a potential high-stakes trilogy that would define the top of the 185-pound division.

With du Plessis and Borralho sidelined, Chimaev's options have narrowed. He stated he is ready to step in as a replacement if the planned Strickland vs. Imavov title fight falls apart. "Maybe Imavov and Strickland won’t fight and I’ll be ready," Chimaev said. His primary desire remains an immediate rematch with Strickland to reclaim the belt he lost. "I am waiting for it even tomorrow," he claimed. For now, Chimaev waits in the wings, a dangerous former champion hoping for another shot at gold or a high-profile comeback fight.

The middleweight landscape is in a state of flux. Strickland holds the crown, Imavov is the next in line, and proven contenders like du Plessis and Chimaev are dealing with different obstacles. Du Plessis's injury timeline will be key. A prolonged absence could see him leapfrogged by other rising contenders. His coach's public interest in the Strickland trilogy, however, signals their intent to remain at the forefront of the title discussion as soon as he is healthy.

• Dricus du Plessis is injured, removing him from Khamzat Chimaev's shortlist for a potential fight.
• Sean Strickland is expected to defend his UFC middleweight title against Nassourdine Imavov next.
• Du Plessis's coach is targeting a third fight with Strickland for the South African's return.
• Khamzat Chimaev is prepared to act as a replacement if the Strickland-Imavov bout is canceled.