Heavyweight champion Drick Du Plessis captured the 185-pound title at UFC 297 in January 2024, defeating current titleholder Sean Strickland via a split decision. He dominated Strickland in a rematch at UFC 312.
“Stillknocks” lost the belt to Khamzat Chimaev by one count at UFC 319, but bounced back from the loss in his last outing with a sound victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. With the win, and considering the landscape in the weight class, Du Plessis believes he can fight for the next title.
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“After the last fight I proved again that I’m the best in the world and I’m the best in the world. Where we are now, we’re building on those blocks that we built before that fight. The next time, I say, nobody’s waiting. Now, Strickland and obviously they’re going to do it. [Nassourdine] Imavov. I think the middleweight division is in a bit of a weird situation because who has the next title shot? And I’m 100% ready for that fight,” Du Plessis told Prediction.
In light of Strickland’s recent comments about wanting to transition into boxing and his willingness to relinquish the 185-pound title, he is stuck at the top of the middleweight division. Strickland wants more money and estimates from his social media posts, the deals aren’t going well.
“I had an injury. I was for a while, but I told them I was ready to fight at the beginning of next year. That’s important because I don’t know what they’re going to do. Who’s going to make me fight? They’re not going to back down. And now we have Strickland, Imavov, Khamzat and me.
“You’re only as good as your last fight. Of course I’m going to continue. I’ve been working hard for 11 months to be the best in the world again. I have no doubt that I’ll be champion again.”