Dricus du Plessis’ Injury Shakes Up UFC Middleweight Division

• The reigning UFC Middleweight Champion is reportedly dealing with a serious shin injury that could sideline him until 2026, derailing a potential blockbuster clash with Khamzat Chimaev
• Brazilian contender Caio Borralho is pushing for an interim title bout, with Khamzat Chimaev seen as the likely opponent— possibly headlining UFC 317 during International Fight Week
• MMA coach Ryan Matthews warns the injury could shift the division’s power dynamics, but believes Du Plessis still has the grit to reclaim his spot when he return

Dricus du Plessis’ reign as UFC Middleweight Champion has hit a roadblock. The South African fighter, who’s been on a meteoric rise, is reportedly dealing with a serious shin injury—potentially a fracture—that could keep him out of action until 2026.

While the UFC has yet to confirm the extent of the injury, credible voices like veteran journalist Kevin Iole and rising contender Caio Borralho have hinted at the worst. The fallout is already shaking the 185-pound division to its core.

Read also

Benni at a crossroads: Is the Pirates job worth the gamble?

"This changes everything," says MMA expert

Veteran MMA coach and analyst Ryan Matthews, who’s worked with UFC talent for over a decade, didn’t hold back when speaking to Briefly News.

“A broken shin isn’t like a sprained ankle. That’s a career-pausing injury,” Matthews said.

“If Dricus is out for even six months, the UFC won’t wait around. We’re likely looking at an interim belt by July.”

Matthews believes the UFC will look to Khamzat Chimaev as the primary option for a temporary title.

“Khamzat’s name sells tickets, even if his injury record isn’t clean. But if he stays fit, him versus Borralho makes sense.”

Borralho ready to strike as interim buzz grows

Caio Borralho, currently on a tear, has publicly called for an interim title fight, potentially at UFC 317 during International Fight Week. He’s hinted at a willingness to face Chimaev—someone who also threw shade at Du Plessis, mocking his reliability in a profane social media post.

Read also

“I’m not unemployed”: Pitso Mosimane responds to Pirates links

Dricus responded, highlighting his track record of showing up—something Chimaev hasn’t always done. But injuries speak louder than tweets.

A comeback delayed, not denied

Du Plessis was building a legacy, having conquered Israel Adesanya and beaten Sean Strickland . But as Matthews puts it:

“He’s got the heart of a lion. If he returns healthy, he’s still top dog. But timing is everything in this game.”

With rising contenders like Nassourdine Imavov and Brendan Allen waiting in the wings, the middleweight landscape may shift dramatically before Du Plessis returns.

For now, the king rests. But the division marches on.

UFC Champ Dricus du Plessis flexes R2M Mercedes EQE

Briefly News previously reported that South African UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is not only a powerhouse in the octagon but also a passionate collector of luxury cars.

As a Mercedes-Benz SA ambassador since 2023, du Plessis owns a jaw-dropping collection that includes a McLaren 650 Spider, Porsche GT2 RS, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and more — each vehicle mirroring his relentless pursuit of excellence in and out of the ring.

Source: Briefly News