Former UFC 185-pound titleholder Dricus du Plessis has dropped a mysterious replace about his subsequent struggle. The South African’s final outing was in 2025 at UFC 319, the place he misplaced his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev.
After the title loss, “Stillknocks” has been ready for fairly a while to return to motion, and previously few weeks, he’s usually teased that his subsequent bout will likely be introduced quickly. He’s already in camp and might’t wait to return to successful methods.
This previous weekend, there have been rumors that Dricus du Plessis would lock horns with former welterweight titleholder Kamaru Usman in the principle occasion of UFC Oklahoma Metropolis in July.
Kamaru Usman’s final struggle was in 2025 towards Joaquin Buckley, which the previous received by unanimous determination, snapping his three-fight dropping skid. The Nigerian Nightmare” wished to face 170-pound titleholder Islam Makhachev in his subsequent bout, however sources counsel that Makhachev will tackle Ian Machado Garry in August.
If Usman can’t get another shot at reclaiming the welterweight title proper now, he has made it clear in earlier interviews that, at 39 years previous, he’s solely inquisitive about significant fights.
That being mentioned, a matchup towards a former UFC middleweight champion will surely match that description, whereas additionally giving “The Nigerian Nightmare” an opportunity to maneuver one step nearer to turning into a two-division champion. Additionally it is one thing he had beforehand wished if “Stillknocks” was nonetheless the champ at 185 kilos.
Try Kamaru Usman’s feedback under:
Dricus Du Plessis explains why there’s a delay within the announcement
The potential Dricus Du Plessis vs. Kamaru Usman bout, rumored to happen on July 18, has not been made official, and now “Stillknocks” has dropped an replace as to why the announcement stays pending.
In a current Instagram put up, Dricus Du Plessis mentioned he has already signed the contract for his subsequent struggle and is able to go. Nonetheless, whoever has agreed to this matchup has not signed the contract, and so the struggle continues to be not official. He wrote:
“So apparently, a bit of somebody agreed to a struggle, however really signing the dotted line isn’t that simple when you understand you’re simply signing for a present purse. Sensible-Sure Scared- Undoubtedly. Sorry folks, the announcement is taking longer than anticipated, however from my facet, it’s been signed and sealed for some time. #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed”
Try Dricus du Plessis’ put up under:
Du Plessis vs. Usman may show to be one other tough matchup for the South African, contemplating how Khamzat Chimaev was in a position to management him for greater than 21 minutes at UFC 319.
After the title loss in 2025, Du Plessis spent ample time engaged on his flaws, and now a possible conflict with Kamaru Usman might be the proper alternative to showcase how a lot he has improved his takedown protection, capacity to forestall mat returns, and floor recreation.
