Dricus du Plessis Targets Title Rematch and Light Heavyweight Move After Usman Win

Dricus du Plessis has his sights locked on a return to the top of the UFC middleweight division, with a future jump to light heavyweight firmly in his plans. The South African star re-established himself as a top contender with a commanding unanimous decision victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City on July 18. That win erased the sting of losing his 185lb title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025 and set the stage for a major second act in his career.

Du Plessis is focused on reclaiming the middleweight crown first

His immediate goal is straightforward. "Getting my belt back. I mean, that's for me. That's the biggest thing," du Plessis stated in a recent interview. He explained the importance of his bounce-back performance against Usman, especially after a one-sided loss. "I think especially after a loss like that, you work so hard to rectify the mistakes that you made. And to go back out and go prove that the things you worked on did work, the hard work you put in paid off. It's incredible." With two prior wins over the current champion, Sean Strickland, du Plessis is in a strong position to argue for another title shot with one more significant victory.

A grueling weight cut makes a move to 205lbs inevitable

While the middleweight title is the priority, a permanent move up to light heavyweight appears to be a matter of when, not if. Du Plessis has long been considered oversized for the 185lb limit, enduring a brutal 45-pound weight cut to make championship weight. UFC commentator Joe Rogan has repeatedly expressed amazement at his ability to shrink down. The physical toll of that process is a driving factor behind his ambition to eventually compete at 205lbs, where he aims to become a two-division UFC champion, mirroring his success in the KSW promotion.

A potential light heavyweight debut against Magomed Ankalaev is on the table

That move could happen sooner than some expect. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev revealed that matchmakers have discussed booking him against du Plessis. "Yes, he wants to move up and it's possible that they will book a fight between us," Ankalaev said. "That's the only information we have for now." Ankalaev is coming off a win over Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi in July, positioning him as a top contender. A fight with du Plessis would be a massive debut at the new weight class for the South African.

He predicts Strickland will defend against Imavov in a rumored title fight

Looking at the current title picture, du Plessis gave his prediction for a rumored early 2027 bout between champion Sean Strickland and top contender Nassourdine Imavov. Strickland already holds a 2023 decision win over Imavov, and du Plessis believes the champion will repeat the feat. "Imavov has the style of kind of hitting, running, hitting," du Plessis analyzed, suggesting Strickland's pressure and volume would be the difference again. A Strickland victory would keep the door open for a potential trilogy fight with du Plessis, who handed Strickland his first title loss.

Where du Plessis stands in the official rankings

Following his win over Usman, du Plessis solidified his place among the elite at 185 pounds. He is currently ranked number three in Sherdog's official middleweight rankings, behind only champion Sean Strickland and the man who beat him, Khamzat Chimaev. His dominant performance against a former pound-for-pound great like Usman proved he remains a serious threat to anyone in the division.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS: Du Plessis decisively beat Kamaru Usman on July 18. His primary goal is to win back the UFC middleweight title. A move to the 205lb light heavyweight division is actively being planned. Matchmakers have proposed a fight with former champion Magomed Ankalaev for his potential debut at the new weight.