“The Next Fight is the Most Important Fight of my Life” Dricus du Plessis Discusses Return to Action

Dricus du Plessis is set to return to action, and fans of the South African will certainly be excited. Having lost his middleweight title in a one-sided title fight at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev, du Plessis has set his sights on an April return.

Speaking to Fight Forecast, the former middleweight king detailed his loss to Chimaev, but is keen to get the rematch with the current 185lbs king.

Dricus du Plessis Discusses Return

Stillknocks Eyeing April Date

Looking to return at the April numbered event, which is set for Miami, Florida, Dricus du Plessis stated:
“I’ll be ready for April. I would love to be on that Miami card. There’s no opponent yet, there’s no contract yet, we don’t have any of that. Whoever, let’s go, I’m ready to go again and get back to my belt as soon as possible. It doesn’t really matter who it is, but of course, I’d love for it to be Khamzat and redeem that loss. For me right now, the next fight is the most important fight of my life, and I will win that fight, and I will get my belt back.”

When commenting on a potential rematch with the undefeated king of the division, the South African is aware of his opponent’s strengths and what he brings to the fight:
“Am I expecting any surprises? No. There’s not going to be any surprises. That is the way he’s going to fight, and if he tries anything different, it will be a terrible night, and we all know that. But he did what he had to do to win that belt.”

If Not Khamzat, Then Who?

It’s unlikely that Dricus du Plessis’ return will be against Khamzat Chimaev. The first bout between the two was one of the most dominant, one-sided title fights that we’ve seen in UFC history. du Plessis was taken down 12 times, controlled for 21:40 and landed just 13 significant strikes.

There will be no shortage of opponents willing to put their hat in the ring to face DDP on his return. #2 Nassourdine Imavov should be next for Chimaev, however, if the champion cannot compete, facing the former champion would be logical for the Frenchman.

Brendan Allen is the most likely candidate to face du Plessis, however. All In is enjoying a two fight winning run, having made Reinier de Ridder quit on his stool in his last fight, he sent out a statement to the entire division.

Whatever is next for Dricus du Plessis, expect him to be extremely motivated to get his belt back.