- Dricus Du Plessis has outlined his plans for reclaiming UFC gold, but his ambitions extend beyond the middleweight division
- The South African fighter has mapped out several steps before considering a move that could change his career
- His comments have also raised questions about when he could pursue a second UFC championship
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Dricus Du Plessis wants to reclaim the UFC middleweight championship before attempting to become a two-division champion. The South African has set his sights on returning to the top of his current division before testing himself against bigger opponents.
Speaking on The Sias du Plessis Show, the former champion said he remains confident he can win another UFC title. However, he isn't rushing to move to light heavyweight.
“I want to get my belt back and eventually go up to 205 and go test myself there, and I'm certain that I will be a champion,” Du Plessis said, according to MMA Junkie.
“I'm big enough for that division, and I'm certain I can be champion at that division, as well.”
Dricus Du Plessis targets UFC middleweight title
Du Plessis, who holds a professional mixed martial arts record of 24 wins and three defeats, lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. He later returned to winning ways by defeating former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. The victory strengthened his case for another opportunity at the middleweight crown.
His head coach, Morne Visser, has also argued for a title shot. Du Plessis, meanwhile, wants to turn that opportunity into a sustained championship run.
“I want that belt back, get a defence, and see if we do another one if there's any fight that makes sense,” he explained.
Will Du Plessis move to light heavyweight in 2027?
The South African has made it clear that reclaiming the middleweight championship comes first. He also wants to defend the belt before deciding whether the division still offers worthwhile challenges.
Du Plessis said the quality of potential opponents and the interest surrounding those fights would influence how long he remained at middleweight.
He also wants to move to the 205-pound light heavyweight division, where he believes he could compete for another championship.
“Not necessarily in 2027, but if the opportunity is there, it's there,” Du Plessis said.
What comes next for the South African fighter?
For now, Du Plessis' immediate priority is regaining the title he lost to Chimaev. A successful comeback, followed by a defence, would put him closer to considering his next career move.
His comments suggest a second division is a serious ambition, but the timing will depend on available opportunities and his progress at middleweight.
JC Lamprecht explains Dricus Du Plessis' winning mentality
Briefly News previously reported that JC Lamprecht had opened up about the mentality and work ethic that helped Dricus Du Plessis become one of South Africa's biggest MMA stars.
The former rival-turned-training partner shared details about Du Plessis' relentless dedication to training, offering fans a glimpse into the mindset behind his rise to UFC champion. Their relationship dates back to a 2013 EFC clash, but years later, the two fighters found themselves training alongside each other.
Source: Briefly News
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