Dricus du Plessis has slammed a potential rematch between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev as 'ridiculous,' arguing neither fighter has defended the UFC middleweight title. The South African MMA star, who lost his belt to Chimaev last summer, returns to the Octagon this Saturday against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.
Why du Plessis opposes the rematch
Du Plessis questioned the logic behind a Strickland-Chimaev rematch, pointing out that neither fighter has successfully defended the title. 'Between Sean and Khamzat, there is no title defenses. I defended my title twice,' he told Submission Radio. The former champion won the belt from Israel Adesanya and defended it against Strickland before losing to Chimaev at UFC 319 in July 2025.
Chimaev's title reign under scrutiny
Chimaev won the middleweight title from du Plessis but never defended it before losing to Strickland in a split decision at UFC 328 in May 2026. Despite this, Chimaev has been vocal about wanting an immediate rematch. UFC president Dana White has hinted the promotion is considering the bout, but du Plessis believes it would be unjustified.
Focus on Usman fight
Du Plessis now shifts his attention to his main event bout against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City this Saturday. The South African is favored to win despite coming off a loss to Chimaev. A victory could put du Plessis back in the title picture, potentially setting up a trilogy fight with Strickland, whom he has beaten twice before.
What's next for du Plessis?
The former champion aims to prove his dominance once again in the Octagon. 'After my performance, let my performance speak,' du Plessis said. With a win over Usman, du Plessis could re-enter the title conversation, though he remains critical of the UFC's potential decision to book Strickland vs. Chimaev 2.