Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has his sights set on reclaiming his 185-pound title before eventually moving up to light heavyweight and pursuing a second championship.
In an interview with South African sports broadcaster Sias du Plessis, who is not related to the former champion, Du Plessis outlined his ambitions for the next chapter of his MMA career.
The South African lost his middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025 but bounced back with a dominant five-round decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City in July 2026.
Despite the setback against Chimaev, Du Plessis remains determined to return to the top of the middleweight division. However, his long-term ambitions extend beyond reclaiming the championship, as he believes he has the size and ability to compete for gold at 205 pounds.
“Yeah, I mean, getting my belt back. I mean, that's for me, that's the biggest thing. I mean, I want to get my belt back and eventually go up to 205 and go test myself there,” Du Plessis said.
The former champion also expressed confidence in his ability to become a two-division champion if he makes the move to light heavyweight.
“And I'm certain that I'll be a champion. I'm big enough for that division and I'm certain I can be champion in that division as well.”
