UFC Star Dricus du Plessis Targets April 2023 Return, Chimaev Rematch Eyed

Former middleweight champion aims for high-stakes comeback fight, but UFC scheduling could complicate plans

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:06pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting the intense action and competing perspectives of a UFC middleweight title fight, with the combatants' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.A cubist interpretation of the high-stakes rematch between former champion Dricus du Plessis and current titleholder Khamzat Chimaev, as they battle to reclaim the UFC middleweight crown.Chicago Today

Dricus du Plessis, the former UFC middleweight champion, is plotting a spring return to the octagon, targeting an April 2023 appearance at UFC 327 in Miami. His preferred opponent is a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev, the fighter who defeated him to claim the title. However, the UFC's scheduling preferences could force du Plessis to accept a different opponent as he looks to reclaim the belt.

Why it matters

Du Plessis' return is highly anticipated, as he looks to regain the title he lost earlier this year. A rematch with Chimaev would be a marquee event, reigniting their rivalry and drawing significant interest from fans. However, the UFC's scheduling needs may take precedence, potentially leading to a different matchup that could still help du Plessis work his way back to title contention.

The details

In a recent interview, du Plessis stated that he has spent time addressing the issues that led to his title loss and is confident he'll be ready to compete in April. He emphasized that reclaiming the middleweight championship is his top priority, even if that means facing Chimaev again. Du Plessis acknowledged that Chimaev's victory was well-deserved, but he believes he can adjust his strategy and force the champion to fight on his terms in a rematch.

  • Du Plessis is targeting an April 2023 return at UFC 327 in Miami.
  • He last fought at UFC 319 in Chicago, where he lost the middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev.

The players

Dricus du Plessis

A former UFC middleweight champion who is plotting a comeback in April 2023, with a potential rematch against Khamzat Chimaev as his preferred opponent.

Khamzat Chimaev

The current UFC middleweight champion, who defeated du Plessis to claim the title earlier this year.

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What they’re saying

“I have spent time addressing the slip-ups, and I'm confident I'll be ready for April. Reclaiming my belt is the priority, even if the matchup on my wishlist is the high-profile rematch against Chimaev.”

— Dricus du Plessis, Former UFC Middleweight Champion

What’s next

The UFC is still finalizing the main event and full card for UFC 327 in Miami, which is scheduled for April 11, 2023. A decision on du Plessis' status and opponent for the event is expected to come in the coming weeks as the promotion solidifies its plans.

The takeaway

Dricus du Plessis' return to the UFC is a highly anticipated event, as he looks to reclaim the middleweight title he lost earlier this year. While a rematch with Khamzat Chimaev is his preferred option, the UFC's scheduling needs may force du Plessis to accept a different opponent in order to make his comeback on the April 2023 card. Regardless of the matchup, du Plessis' journey back to the top of the division will be closely watched by MMA fans.