Injury rules Dricus du Plessis out of title fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 317, says journalist

Dricus du Plessis may be injured, according to journalist. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

The long-awaited clash for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg) between the champion Dricus du Plessis and the undefeated Khamzat Shimaev, scheduled to take place at 'International Fight Week', is not expected to happen. Although the organization has not confirmed the fight, it has been heavily speculated as the main event of UFC 317 on June 28.

See too

Argentine UFC prospect makes bold statement and challenges Amanda Nunes: 'I can beat her'

Cesar Almeida explains unusual feeling after brutally knocking out his last UFC victim

UFC star points out only athlete to compete with Poatan in terms of 'power' in punches

The news was first reported by American combat sports journalist Kevin Iole, who wrote in his article that 'DDP' was injured. So far, neither the UFC nor Du Plessis' or Chimaev's teams have commented on the alleged injury, but if it is officially confirmed, a possible middleweight title fight between the two would only take place at the end of 2025.

Kevin Iole's report also mentioned the lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg),Islam makhachev. If the fight between Dricus du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev doesn't really happen at UFC 317, it's possible that the athlete from the Republic of Dagestan will have to save the event, which would also feature the defense of the flyweight belt (up to 56,7 kg) of Alexandre pantoja before Kai Kara France.

Khamzat Shimaev is being considered to face DDP for the middleweight title. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFCKorea

PUBLICITY:

The last time Du Plessis stepped into the octagon was in UFC 312, on February 9, 2025, in the rematch with Sean Strickland. The South African defeated the American by unanimous decision of the judges.

Chimaev's last duel took place in October last year against Robert whittaker, at UFC 308. The Chechen won by submission in the first round.