Dricus du Plessis blames Khamzat Chimaev for ‘terrible fight,’ eyes rematch with UFC champion
MMA Fighting
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Dricus du Plessis has made it clear that his sights are set on reclaiming the middleweight title he lost to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Speaking with Fight Forecast, du Plessis expressed his determination to face Chimaev again, calling a rematch his top priority. Despite not having an opponent or contract yet, du Plessis is confident he will be ready for the UFC’s April 11 event in Miami. He views this as the most important fight of his career and remains focused on regaining the belt he lost to Chimaev in a dominant but controversial style.
Du Plessis has been waiting six months since his loss, during which time the middleweight division has seen significant changes. While Chimaev has flirted with moving up to light heavyweight to challenge champion Alex Pereira, du Plessis is determined to keep him grounded and push for a rematch. He acknowledges that Chimaev’s wrestling style may not be exciting to watch but respects it as an effective method to secure victories under the UFC’s rules. Du Plessis sees his upcoming fight as an opportunity to counter Chimaev’s strategy and ultimately reclaim his title.
The middleweight division is currently in flux, with several fighters vying for prominence. Du Plessis’ next opponent could determine whether he gets another shot at the title. He remains optimistic about his chances, predicting that he will have his belt back before the end of 2026. Regardless of who faces him in Miami, du Plessis is confident in his ability to adapt and win, emphasizing that this fight is crucial for both his career and his reputation.
For sports fans interested in MMA, this storyline matters
Verticals
sportsmma
Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/14/2026