Dricus Du Plessis Shares Roadmap to Regain UFC Middleweight Crown Against Khamzat Chimaev

• Dricus du Plessis has shared his plan ahead of reclaiming his UFC middleweight belt from Khamzat Chimaev this year
• The South African MMA superstar lost the UFC middleweight title to the Russian-Emirati fighter in August, 2025
• The 32-year-old UFC star also explained why his next fight would be important to his life as he plans to reclaim title

Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has set his gaze on reclaiming his title from Khamzat Chimaev as he's targeting a rematch against the Russian-Emirati MMA star.

The South African combat sport star clashed with Chimaev on 16 August 2025 at UFC 319, held at the United Centre in Chicago, Illinois, United States. The Russian-born fighter dominated the bout across five rounds, overpowering 'Stillknocks' to become the newly crowned middleweight champion.

Since that championship bout, DDP and Chimaev have remained sidelined, with the current middleweight champion preparing for what would be his first title defence later this year.

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While du Plessis may need to secure at least one win to reinsert himself into the championship picture, he remains confident that he can work his way back to reclaim the middleweight belt from Chimaev.

DDP aims to dictate terms in rematch

According to Bloody Elbow, Chimaev might need to defend his title against Nassourdine Imavov, who sits second in the middleweight divisional rankings. Even so, du Plessis is hopeful he can disrupt those plans and position himself for an April title rematch against the Russian.

The Borz was dominant in their first bout as his place of suffocating wrestling neutralised DDP's tactics en route to claiming the middleweight title. Although disappointed by the outcome, the Mzansi fighter acknowledged that Chimaev executed a smart and effective game plan against him.

Speaking to Fight Forecast, du Plessis made it clear that another clash with Chimaev remains his top priority. He insisted he does not anticipate any tactical surprises, noting that the champion will likely rely on the same approach he used during their last bout. Should Chimaev attempt a radically different strategy, 'Stillknocks' believes it could backfire. He also conceded that the Chechen did exactly what was necessary to secure the belt and deserves credit for it.

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Despite scrutiny over his defensive grappling in that loss, the Welkom-born fighter emphasised that adjustments are already underway. In a potential rematch, his objective would be to neutralise the wrestling threat and force Chimaev into a contest fought on his own terms.

Dricus explains importance of his next fight

Du Plessis is looking forward to his next bout, with his disappointing loss to Chimaev being the first defeat of his UFC tenure.

The South African fighter, who recently clocked 32 years old and was celebrated by his fiancée, Vasti Spiller, views his next fight in the UFC as crucial to his life. A second consecutive loss would significantly complicate his route back to title contention.

The former middleweight champion is aiming for a return on an April card in Miami, even though an opponent has yet to be finalised. While he would welcome the opportunity to avenge his defeat against Chimaev, his immediate focus is singular: deliver a statement performance and reignite his path toward getting his belt back.

Dricus speaks out after defeat

Briefly News previously reported that Dricus du Plessis reacted to his disappointing defeat at the hands of the UAE’s Chimaev at UFC 319 in Chicago.

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“Stillknocks,” who came into this fight as the underdog, put on a brave face despite the one-sided fight and vowed to bounce back.

Source: Briefly News