Dricus du Plessis reveals the timeline for the fight Khamzat Chimaev, Get ready – the war is coming.

UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is gearing up for what may become one of the most explosive fights of 2025 as he prepares to defend his title against the undefeated and fearsome contender Khamzat Chimaev. While fans across the globe have been buzzing with speculation and rumors, the champion himself has now confirmed that the fight will happen “soon,” and all signs point to it being one of the most anticipated bouts in recent memory.

The South African champion, who has taken the middleweight division by storm with his aggressive style, strategic precision, and unmatched resilience, made it clear during a recent appearance on the Sias du Plessis Show that negotiations have progressed far enough for him to expect an official announcement in the near future.

“We Have a Date,” Says Dricus du Plessis

In his candid interview, Dricus du Plessis revealed that he has agreed to more than one possible date and is ready to face Khamzat Chimaev anytime the UFC gives the green light. His confidence was unmistakable as he reiterated that the fight will definitely take place this year.

“We have a date,” du Plessis said. “We have the potential of two dates. I already agreed to both. A lot of people asking if it’s this year. Yes, 100 percent. It’s not that far away. The announcement will be made soon.”

This declaration put to rest weeks of speculation about du Plessis’ availability and silenced rumors that the South African champion may be out of action due to injury.

Injury Rumors Dismissed

Amid whispers that du Plessis may be injured and out for the rest of 2025, the champion addressed the rumors head-on, calling them baseless and absurd. With a calm but confident tone, he dismissed the chatter and emphasized that he’s fully healthy and simply waiting on the official paperwork to be finalized.

“All these rumors that came out about injuries, I don’t know where they came from. It was ridiculous. I was like, okay, I just left it for like a week and I was like, ‘Everybody had their fun. Now you’re all gonna look stupid.’”

“We’ve already agreed on a date, and that’s been a while ago. So I’m just waiting for the contract, but that’s the fight that’s happening. It’s gonna be happening in the next couple of months, maximum four months. It’s gonna happen one of these days.”

The clarity from du Plessis is exactly what UFC fans were craving. With his statement, the road to one of the most talked-about middleweight title fights in UFC history appears wide open.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Predator

Standing across the Octagon will be none other than Khamzat Chimaev, the 14-0 wrecking machine who has dismantled nearly every opponent placed in front of him. Known for his smothering grappling, relentless pressure, and sheer dominance, Chimaev represents the most dangerous challenge yet for du Plessis.

Chimaev has been calling for a title shot ever since his rise began in the UFC, and with each fight, he has strengthened his case. Despite a controversial split-decision win over Kamaru Usman in his last bout, his potential as a future champion remains undeniable. However, du Plessis is not fazed by Chimaev’s aura of invincibility.

Wrestling Clash: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev Styles Collide

One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the potential wrestling battle that will unfold. Chimaev is known for his world-class grappling and suffocating control on the ground. However, du Plessis is no slouch in that department either, with a sturdy takedown defense and an ability to reverse positions with explosiveness.

The South African has stated before that while Chimaev’s wrestling is excellent, it will only be as effective as he allows it to be.

“I know his wrestling is very good—100%. He’s proven that,” du Plessis once stated. “But you only look good when your opponent allows it. I won’t be that guy. I can let him look good, but I won’t let him win.”

That confidence and mental toughness could be the key difference when both men finally lock horns inside the Octagon.

Till Connection and Mind Games Begin

Adding spice to this buildup is Khamzat Chimaev’s reunion with his former training partner and friend Darren Till. The two have resumed working together, with Till playing a vital role in Chimaev’s camp for this championship fight. While many saw it as a natural reunion, du Plessis used it as ammunition to play psychological warfare.

Du Plessis made a sly remark about Chimaev linking up with Till, referencing Till’s own failed attempt against him:

“Oh that’s nice, now they finally have something in common,” he joked, implying that Chimaev, like Till, would end up getting finished.

The comment stirred chatter online and intensified the feud between both camps, building even more hype around an already electric showdown.

Dana White Confirms the Fight Is a Go

UFC President Dana White confirmed in earlier interviews that Chimaev vs. du Plessis is indeed on the docket, and that the promotion is just waiting to finalize details. With White’s confirmation and both fighters publicly acknowledging their agreement to fight, the matchup is as close to official as it gets.

Though the actual fight date is yet to be announced, all indicators point to a blockbuster event either late summer or early fall of 2025. The UFC could be saving the clash for a main event PPV card, possibly even at UFC 307 or UFC 308, depending on the finalized schedule.

Du Plessis: A Champion with a Chip on His Shoulder

Dricus du Plessis may not be the flashiest name in MMA, but he’s earned his spot at the top through sheer grit, knockout power, and constant evolution. His victories over top-tier opponents like Robert Whittaker and Darren Till have solidified him as a true threat to anyone in the division.

He enters the Chimaev fight with something to prove—not just that he’s the best middleweight in the world, but that he’s a complete fighter capable of nullifying hype and halting an undefeated train before it reaches championship status.

The Stakes: Legacy, Supremacy, and Future Superfights

The implications of du Plessis vs. Chimaev extend beyond the belt. A win for du Plessis cements him as one of the greats in the modern middleweight era and sets up potential super fights against names like Israel Adesanya (should he return), Alex Pereira (if he drops back down), or even Bo Nickal in the future.

For Chimaev, this is the moment he’s been chasing since he entered the UFC. A title win would confirm all the hype and give him the platform to pursue double-champ status or crossover megafights against the likes of Leon Edwards or even Kamaru Usman again.

How Will It Play Out? Early Predictions Stir Debate

Analysts are split on how this fight could unfold. Some believe Chimaev’s wrestling and pressure will eventually overwhelm du Plessis, while others argue that du Plessis’ cardio, striking, and toughness make him a nightmare matchup for Chimaev, who has shown signs of fatigue in longer fights.

Du Plessis’ key to victory may lie in weathering the early storm, stuffing takedowns, and turning the fight into a brawl in later rounds. Conversely, if Chimaev can dominate early and establish control, he might get the finish he’s promised in past interviews.

Final Thoughts: A Collision of Titans Approaches

There’s no denying that the middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025. With personal stakes, undefeated records, styles that clash perfectly, and championship gold on the line, this is the kind of battle that defines careers—and changes divisions.

As du Plessis confidently waits for the official contract, and Chimaev sharpens his tools with renewed intensity, fight fans are standing by for the announcement that will set the MMA world on fire.