Drick Du Plessis recently revealed his plans to move to light heavyweight and pursue a second UFC title. “Stillknocks” returned to action against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma, and turned in a dominant performance to win a unanimous decision victory. While claiming the middleweight title remains his priority, Du Plessis has not ruled out a move to 205 pounds when the time is right.
But his coach recently revealed that the UFC team had approached him with an unusual offer that could see Du Plessis compete in a one-night tournament to determine the next challenger to light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg.
Advertisement
Du Plessis previously revealed that he would cut 45 pounds or more to make it to middleweight, making a move up in weight an interesting possibility. But when the UFC offered him a spot in the said tournament, he dropped his camp.
UFC Proposed One-Night Tournament Featuring Drick Du Plessis, Magomed Ankalaev, Jiri Prochazka and Navajo Stirling.
Speaking on the Fight Prediction podcast, Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser revealed details of his goals for the tournament.
He said, “The UFC wanted him to move up to Light Heavyweight, but it’s not going to happen. 205er is not real. They asked me for three weeks. They asked me to move Dric up, and we would join the pool of four fighters — Jiri, Dric, Ankalaev, and [Stirling].
Advertisement
This made the matter more unusual, and the decision was made to keep the whole tournament in one night. The UFC did not accept this format from the beginning, so it is said to offer one of the most interesting.
he added, “the four Latins wanted to go to the tank; to fight one night, then the winners to fight among themselves, and then the winner of that battle of Ulberga. a little of the Prefect Urbi.”
Visser eventually rejected the idea, explaining that Du Plessis needed more time to prepare his body for the heavier division. According to the coach, only gaining weight will not be enough to compete against light heavy organizations, especially with three weeks to prepare.
“I didn’t deny that it’s easy to get up to 205, but for me it took a year for Drake to slip from Welterweight to Middleweight. Weight doesn’t mean anything at all. Anyone can put on weight – just eat.”
Advertisement
Visser further explained that the team is approaching the transition gradually, with the immediate focus remaining on claiming the middleweight title.
“We have to go up. So we will do this little by little as we go up to 205. This is a hundred percent plan. But we want our belt back and defend it once. I have made it clear to the UFC.”
For now, Du Plessis seems to remain in the middleweight division, where several potential matchups could await him. Brendan Allen has repeatedly called for a fight with the former champion, while Nassourdine Imavov could also become an option for the South African gold, especially if Sean Strickland’s contract issues remain resolved.
Visser also revealed that Du Plessis is preparing to return after his honeymoon, with an early 2027 return in mind. Late February or March seems likely to be the target window.
Advertisement
Although a move to lightweight remains part of Du Plessis’ long-term plan, his camp are unwilling to rush his transition. With a potential matchup against Magomed Ankalaev at 205lbs also coming up late in the conference, the South African has plenty to consider before deciding on his next move.
MORE MMA NEWS:
After Demetrious Johnson, Jose Aldo makes a wild suggestion about Movsar Evloev’s UFC Future
Israel Adesanya and Shara Magomedov are booked at the December 5 UFC Saudi Arabia Event
“I Don’t Cry” – Paddy Pimblett Reveals How His UFC 324 Loss to Justin Gaethje Was Unlikely