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Former Champ Dricus du Plessis Eyes April Return, Wants Chimaev Rematch
Du Plessis plans to reclaim middleweight title after losing it to Chimaev in one-sided fight.
Published on Feb. 18, 2026
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Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis is targeting an April return at UFC 327 in Miami, Florida. While he's open to facing any opponent, du Plessis has his sights set on a rematch with current champion Khamzat Chimaev, who defeated him at UFC 319 in a one-sided grappling performance. Du Plessis believes he can defeat Chimaev in a rematch and regain the title he lost.
Why it matters
This story is significant as it involves the former middleweight champion looking to reclaim his title from the current champion in a high-profile rematch. The rivalry between du Plessis and Chimaev has become one of the top storylines in the UFC's middleweight division.
The details
Du Plessis won the middleweight title at UFC 297 in January 2024 by defeating then-champion Sean Strickland via split decision. He successfully defended the belt twice before losing it to Chimaev at UFC 319 in a one-sided grappling performance. Now, du Plessis is targeting a return to the octagon in April at UFC 327 in Miami, Florida, with the goal of facing Chimaev in a rematch and reclaiming the title.
- Du Plessis won the middleweight title at UFC 297 in January 2024.
- Du Plessis lost the title to Chimaev at UFC 319.
- Du Plessis is targeting a return at UFC 327 in April 2026.
The players
Dricus du Plessis
A former UFC middleweight champion who is looking to regain his title in a rematch against the current champion, Khamzat Chimaev.
Khamzat Chimaev
The current UFC middleweight champion who defeated du Plessis in a one-sided grappling performance at UFC 319.
What they’re saying
“I would of course love for it to be Khamzat and redeem that loss. For me, right now the next fight is the most important fight of my life. And I will win that fight and I will get my belt back.”
— Dricus du Plessis, Former UFC Middleweight Champion (Yahoo Sports)
“Expecting any surprises (in a rematch)? No. There's not going to be any surprises. I mean, that is the way that he's going to fight. And if he tries anything different, it will be a terrible night (for him).”
— Dricus du Plessis, Former UFC Middleweight Champion (Yahoo Sports)
What’s next
The UFC has not yet announced an opponent or confirmed du Plessis' return for UFC 327 in April 2026.
The takeaway
This story highlights the competitive nature of the UFC middleweight division, with the former champion du Plessis determined to regain his title from the current champion Chimaev. The potential rematch between the two fighters is a highly anticipated matchup that could determine the future of the division.
