Dricus Du Plessis has outlined a possible return timeline and has named a couple of opponents he has in mind for his next fight.
Du Plessis was last seen in action at UFC 319 in August 2025, where he dropped the middleweight title to unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev via a lopsided unanimous decision.
Before that defeat, “Stillknocks” was riding a dominant, undefeated run in the UFC, highlighted by two successful title defenses and victories over former champions Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, and Israel Adesanya.
The 32-year-old South African’s team has circled out several potential opponents, believing a win over any of them could propel him back into the title conversation.
Dricus Du Plessis’ Coach Lays Out Plans for April Return
During a recent interview with Fight Forecast, Dricus Du Plessis’ head coach Morne Visser discussed the team’s plans for a potential return as early as April. Visser noted that the former UFC middleweight champion is open to facing top contenders such as Nassourdine Imavov or Brendan Allen for his comeback fight.
“I think the plan for us would be to fight in April, either Brendan Allen or Imavov,” Visser said.
Visser also responded to Allen’s callout, warning that “Stillknocks” would hand him the toughest fight of his career, especially if it were a three-round bout. He added they are open to facing whoever the UFC ultimately puts in front of them.
“If it’s Allen, he’s in for a sh*t time, man. But a three-rounder with Dricus is going to take his head off. He just doesn’t understand. I mean, Dricus Du Plessis hasn’t fought a three-rounder in how many years. So he’s going to die in there. So we’re looking forward to whatever they give us. But I think it’s going to be Allen. And if it’s Allen, we’ll take whatever they give us after that.”
Imavov last competed at UFC Paris in September, where he secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over Caio Borralho. “The Sniper” is currently riding a five-fight unbeaten streak and holds a 9–2 UFC record, along with one no contest.
Meanwhile, Allen secured a TKO victory over Reinier de Ridder in a short-notice bout at UFC Vancouver in October in his most recent appearance. “All In” has gone 2-2 over his last four fights and holds an overall 14-4 record in the UFC.
