Not only does Costa want Du Plessis, but he also claims Chimaev is scared.

Dricus du Plessis has built a reputation in the UFC as one of the toughest men in the middleweight division, a fighter who refuses to break even under the heaviest pressure. After starting his UFC career with a flawless 9-0 record and capturing the middleweight championship, the South African finally suffered his first Octagon setback at UFC 319, where he lost to the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. The bout was a five-round wrestling showcase from Chimaev, who controlled du Plessis from start to finish to claim the unanimous decision victory. Despite being dominated, du Plessis remained dangerous throughout and earned respect for his durability, composure, and willingness to fight until the very end.

Now, just weeks removed from losing his title, the question surrounding du Plessis is what comes next. One man who has wasted no time putting his name forward is former title challenger Paulo Costa, who believes a showdown with du Plessis is the right fight to make before the year ends.

Costa Sets His Sights on Du Plessis

Costa, who is ranked #13 in the UFC middleweight rankings following his victory over Roman Kopylov at UFC 318, told Submission Radio that he would prefer to fight du Plessis rather than pursue a rematch with Israel Adesanya. Despite having history with Adesanya, Costa believes du Plessis is the more compelling option at this point in time.

“The both of them sounds good,” Costa said, referring to Adesanya and du Plessis. “But yeah, Dricus is better because he’s fresh from the belt. Unpredictable… He’s so unpredictable. He’s a tough guy. Tough guy to fight, to be honest.”

Costa has made no secret of his belief that he is the man to dethrone Chimaev. However, with the new champion likely heading into a major title defense before the end of 2025, Costa sees du Plessis as a valuable opportunity to climb the rankings and re-establish himself as a title threat.

Costa’s Criticism of Chimaev’s Fighting Approach

The Brazilian also offered a sharp critique of Chimaev’s strategy against du Plessis at UFC 319. While fans were divided on the fight—some calling it a masterclass in control and others labeling it dull—Costa sided with those who believe Chimaev avoided the stand-up exchanges out of fear.

“[Du Plessis is] very tough and Khamzat Chimaev knew that,” Costa claimed. “That’s why he [held] him for so long. And even the fifth round, Dricus was still dangerous. Chimaev was afraid to fight him fairly. He just [held] the guy for five rounds, 25 minutes…”

These comments highlight Costa’s long-running criticism of wrestlers in the division, suggesting he believes fans deserve more striking battles rather than grappling-heavy performances. It also underscores his confidence that du Plessis remains one of the most dangerous fighters in the division despite the loss.

Du Plessis: Still a Force in the Division

For du Plessis, the loss to Chimaev is undoubtedly a setback, but it may also serve as a turning point. Known for his unorthodox striking, relentless pressure, and resilience, “Stillknocks” is unlikely to fade from the title picture. Even in defeat, he showed flashes of danger in the later rounds, keeping Chimaev cautious and forcing him to stick to a wrestling-heavy approach.

Du Plessis absorbed over 500 strikes in the contest but took little significant damage, proving once again how durable he is. He defended only five of Chimaev’s seventeen takedown attempts but was never close to being finished, a testament to his toughness against one of the most dominant grapplers in UFC history.

Costa vs. Du Plessis: A Clash of Styles

Should the UFC book Costa vs. du Plessis, fans would be treated to a clash of styles that contrasts sharply with the Chimaev fight. Costa is a forward-marching powerhouse, known for his heavy hands, aggressive striking, and willingness to brawl. Du Plessis, meanwhile, mixes unorthodox striking with awkward timing and unpredictable entries, making him difficult to prepare for.

The matchup would likely be contested almost entirely on the feet, something both men would welcome. With Costa’s raw power and du Plessis’s unorthodox aggression, this potential fight has all the ingredients of a fan-friendly war that could put either man back into immediate title contention.

What Comes Next

Costa has already indicated he would like to return to the Octagon in November or December, which lines up well with du Plessis’s recovery time following UFC 319. For the UFC, it would be a natural co-main or main event for a late-year pay-per-view or Fight Night card.

Both men have much to gain and little to lose from the matchup. For Costa, it’s a chance to finally defeat a former champion and prove he still belongs among the elite of the division. For du Plessis, it’s an opportunity to bounce back against a respected contender and remind the world why he was able to capture UFC gold in the first place.

Final Thoughts

The middleweight division is in a state of flux with Chimaev now holding the belt and challengers lining up for their shot. But the potential clash between Dricus du Plessis and Paulo Costa is one that makes sense for all parties: the fighters, the fans, and the UFC. It promises action, unpredictability, and the kind of fireworks that only come when two heavy hitters are willing to meet in the center of the cage.

Whether the UFC books it for late 2025 or early 2026, the fight would serve as a true test of who remains a real contender in a division filled with hungry challengers. And if Costa is correct about Chimaev’s hesitancy to stand with du Plessis, fans might just get the striking battle they were denied at UFC 319.