Dricus Du Plessis’ team has just put the injury rumors out of the window. Gearing up for his third title defense, Du Plessis was declared injured a few days back. With their UFC 317 fight now called off, calls for an interim title were also doing the rounds. However, in a recent update from the South African team, the speculations of an injury were denied.
Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, stated that the fight with Khamzat Chimaev was still very much on. However, it will not be taking place at International Fight Week. In fact, speaking with Submission Radio, Visser also stated that things are pretty much finalized from Du Plessis’ end. They are currently awaiting a contract from the UFC.
“No injuries man, that’s bullsh*t… we’re fighting Khamzat- we’re actually waiting for the contract. It’s gonna be soon. Definitely not international fight week, they got something else planned for that,” said Visser.
🚨 Dricus du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, reveals that Dricus WILL be fighting Khamzat Chimaev, just not at #UFC317 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 24, 2025
“No injuries man, that’s bullsh*t… we’re fighting Khamzat- we’re actually waiting for the contract.
It’s gonna be soon. Definitely not international fight… pic.twitter.com/MMAGPzSByX
Surely, this latest update will make fight fans rejoice. After all, the bout between Chimaev and Du Plessis has been touted to be one of a kind. In the absence of the mega fight, Chimaev was slated to face Caio Borralho, a concept that Daniel Cormier has heavily criticized.
Daniel Cormier Lashes Out At UFC Middleweight Interim Title Idea
With the news of Du Plessis withdrawing, Chimaev was expected to face Borralho. But the interesting fact was that the resultant fight might have been an interim title fight. And this is something that did not sit well with Daniel Cormier at all. He opined that such a title never made sense as Du Plessis was an active fighter. DC also stated that it was only a couple of months back when ‘Stillknocks’ last fought. So, there was no need for an immediate interim belt.
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“Had this happened ten years ago, Dricus du Plessis gets hurt after fighting Sean Strickland only a couple of months ago… He fought him in February – he gets hurt, nobody would have said anything. There would not have been a whisper about an interim championship but because interim titles are easier to access today than they were before, everybody calls for it,” said Cormier.
Thankfully, with Du Plessis declared fit for the match, the possibility of an interim belt is now off the table. Thus, with things looking back on track again, fight fans would eagerly wait for the next update.
Also Read: Dricus Du Plessis Accepts Major Challenge From Fan Ahead Of His Next Title Fight
