Du Plessis Sends a Clear Message About Moving Up to Light Heavyweight Division originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Middleweight champion focused on defending his crown before considering a jump to light heavyweight
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The countdown is on for UFC 319, set to take over the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, in just a couple weeks. The main event will pit two undefeated UFC stars against each other in an intriguing clash of styles — Dricus Du Plessis defending his middleweight title against Khamzat Chimaev on August 16. With such high stakes, it’s no surprise that speculation is already swirling about what could be next for Du Plessis should he leave the Windy City victorious.
In a clip shared by Championship Rounds and during an interview with the Chicago Sports Network, Du Plessis addressed the idea of moving up to light heavyweight.
Dricus du Plessis / Getty Images
‘Yes, the long term goal is to move up, I’m still young in my career. I believe in at least three title defenses before you move up in weight, and then of course the division needs to be cleared out before you move on to the next division.’ He doubled down on the fact that the middleweight class still has plenty to offer, pointing to a top five that’s constantly shuffling with new talent as a sign of its health and excitement.
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Reports this week revealed that Du Plessis walks around at approximately 230 pounds, further fueling discussion about a potential future at light heavyweight.
For Du Plessis, that dynamic roster is a key reason to stay put — for now. But before any potential title defenses or weight class shifts, the South African standout has a serious test ahead. On August 16, he meets one of the sport’s most relentless contenders in Chimaev, a matchup that could shape not only his career trajectory but the middleweight division itself.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 8, 2025, where it first appeared.