What's Happening?
South African fighter Dricus du Plessis is expected to return to the UFC Octagon in early 2026, according to his coach Morne Visser. Du Plessis aims to address his grappling weaknesses, particularly his difficulty in stopping takedowns, before his next fight. He lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev by unanimous decision at UFC 319. Visser plans to spend 12 to 16 weeks fixing these issues before entering a 12-week fight camp. Du Plessis has a record of 23 wins and three losses, with his last victory against Sean Strickland at UFC 312.
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Why It's Important?
Du Plessis's planned return and focus on improving his grappling skills are crucial for his career progression in the UFC. Addressing these weaknesses could enhance his performance and competitiveness in future fights. His loss to Chimaev highlights the importance of adapting and refining skills to maintain a position in the highly competitive middleweight division. Successful improvements could lead to more significant opportunities and potential title shots.
What's Next?
Du Plessis will undergo intensive training to improve his grappling skills, with plans to return to the Octagon in early 2026. His coach's strategy involves a focused training period followed by a fight camp, aiming to prepare him for future challenges in the UFC. The outcome of this training could determine his readiness for upcoming fights and his ability to reclaim a title.
