A potential middleweight showdown between current UFC champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated sensation Khamzat Chimaev may be postponed due to an injury to du Plessis. The highly anticipated 185-pound fight was set to headline UFC 317 during UFC’s International Fight Week in June.
Veteran MMA journalist Kevin Iole reported the unfortunate news on Friday, suggesting that the DDP vs. Chimaev bout could be rescheduled for later in the year.
According to Iole, “I’m hearing Dricus du Plessis is injured, and though there has been no confirmation, if that’s accurate, a bout between Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev couldn’t headline IFW.” This development opens up opportunities for UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev to step in for the June event.
“So Makhachev will be needed for Las Vegas in June.”
If the injury news is true, it is a setback for all parties involved. Du Plessis is facing his first period of inactivity since winning the UFC title in January 2024, while Chimaev misses out on a chance to secure a title shot. Fans are also disappointed at the missed opportunity to witness a clash between two top middleweights.
Chimaev may need to adjust his training for a different opponent.
As highlighted in Iole’s article, UFC matchmakers will have to find another marquee matchup to headline UFC 317 if DDP is unable to compete. The event already features a flyweight championship bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, but additional star power is needed for a memorable International Fight Week.
Stay tuned to Mania for updates on Du Plessis vs. Chimaev, UFC 317, and more!