"None of it is true" – Dricus du Plessis clears the air on on injury rumors

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis has responded to swirling speculation of injuries and withdrawal from scheduled fights, confirming that all reports of injuries and withdrawal from scheduled fights are entirely false. The South African fighter dismissed rumours of a shin break on Thursday that had spread in MMA circles this week.
Champion Dricus du Plessis refutes injury claims amid challenger calloutsMiddleweight champion Dricus du Plessis speaks out to quash recent speculation that no bout was ever set for June, and that he was looking for a replacement for that fight. Dricus Du Plessis spoke out to dispel rumours that he has signed a contract with the UFC for his next opponent and fight date, explaining that talks with the UFC occurred, but no contract was signed.

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"I found it all very entertaining, unfortunately, none of it is true," Dricus du Plessis stated in his social media post, directly addressing the rumours that had prompted potential title challengers Khamzat Chimaev and Caio Borralho to question his availability publicly.

The statement comes as top contenders step up pressure on Dricus Du Plessis to give them a chance to challenge for his belt. He has also been particularly vocal about getting a title opportunity, as Khamzat Chimaev carries a perfect 14-0 professional record with finishes in all but one of his fights. Borralho's 17-fight unbeaten streak, including seven in a row in the UFC, has also placed him as a worthy challenger.
Title defence timeline remains uncertain as contenders awaitDricus Du Plessis confirmed a title defence is planned later in 2025, but held back on when and which contender would be given the chance. The champion wrote: "Fight announcement coming soon, stay tuned."

Since joining the UFC, Dricus Du Plessis (23-2) has cemented himself as a dominant force in the middleweight division, putting together an undefeated 9-0 record in the promotion. A fourth-round submission victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August 2023 started off his championship reign, which was continued with a unanimous decision win against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February 2025.

And fans can expect to see Dricus du Plessis' next title defence on pay-per-view at a major UFC event in the third quarter of 2025, but exact details are to be revealed.

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With these rumours now debunked, attention turns to the official announcement from the UFC regarding the middleweight champion's next challenge as Dricus du Plessis continues his quest to cement his legacy in the 185-pound division.