Dricus Du Plessis' Coach Eyes Sean Strickland Trilogy as Imavov Rematch Nears
- Dricus du Plessis' coach Morne Visser is targeting a trilogy bout with Sean Strickland as his next major fight
- Nassourdine Imavov has revealed he already knows the date for his rematch with Strickland, fuelling speculation about a November bout
- The final UFC title fights of 2026 are yet to be officially announced, leaving the middleweight picture unsettled
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Dricus du Plessis' head coach, Morne Visser, has expressed confidence that a trilogy fight against Sean Strickland is the logical next step for the South African UFC middleweight champion, even as du Plessis has not yet confirmed a return to the octagon in 2026.
Visser has indicated he is watching the Strickland-Nassourdine Imavov rematch situation closely, with the French contender revealing he is already aware of the date for his second meeting with Strickland. That bout is expected to take place in November, though UFC has yet to make an official announcement regarding the remaining major title fights on the 2026 calendar.
Strickland rematch in focus
Du Plessis and Strickland have met twice before, with the South African holding a win over the American. A third instalment would carry significant weight in the middleweight division, and Visser believes the matchup makes sense should Strickland get past Imavov.
Imavov's comments suggesting he has knowledge of the rematch date have heightened anticipation among fans, who are awaiting clarity on how the division's contender rankings will be shaped heading into the end of the year.
Du Plessis yet to confirm 2026 return
Despite his coach's optimism about the Strickland trilogy, du Plessis himself has not committed to a fight date before the year's end. Visser's confidence appears to be based on how the division shapes up once the Imavov-Strickland rematch is finalised and results are known.
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The UFC middleweight title picture remains one of the most closely watched storylines in combat sports, with du Plessis having established himself as one of the promotion's most prominent champions.
Source: Briefly News
