UFC Offered Dricus Du Plessis a One-Night Four-Man Light Heavyweight Tournament
Dricus Du Plessis, known as "Stillknocks," recently expressed his ambition to step up to the light heavyweight division and pursue a second UFC championship. He showcased a commanding performance against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma, winning by unanimous decision. Although reclaiming the middleweight title remains his main focus, Du Plessis has not dismissed the possibility of competing at 205 pounds when the time is right.
Unusual UFC Proposal for a One-Night Tournament
His coach, Morne Visser, shared that the UFC approached them with an unusual offer: a one-night, four-man tournament to decide the next contender for the light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg. The concept involved Du Plessis joining a pool of fighters including Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, and Navajo Stirling.
Visser explained on the Fight Forecast podcast, "UFC wanted him to move up to light heavyweight, but that's not going to happen. He's not a real 205er. They asked three weeks ago for Dricus to join a group of four — Jiri, Dricus, Ankalaev, and Stirling." The format would have fighters compete multiple times in a single night, with winners facing each other, and the ultimate victor earning a shot at Ulberg. This style echoes the UFC’s early Grand Prix events.
Why The Offer Was Declined
The team turned down the proposal, citing concerns about Du Plessis’ readiness for such a quick jump. Visser pointed out that Du Plessis cuts more than 45 pounds to make middleweight, so moving up requires more than just gaining weight. With only three weeks’ notice, preparing his body to face established light heavyweights would be unwise.
Visser added that Du Plessis is aiming to return after his honeymoon, targeting early 2027 for a comeback, likely around late February or March.
Future Plans and Potential Matchups
The shift to light heavyweight is still part of Du Plessis’ long-term vision, but his camp wants to approach it carefully. There has been talk of a possible fight against Magomed Ankalaev at 205 pounds, adding another layer to the decision-making process for the South African star.
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