UFC Reportedly Pitched Dricus Du Plessis a Wild Four-Man Tournament for Light Heavyweight Title Shot
· Yahoo Sports
Dricus Du Plessis recently revealed his plans to move up to light heavyweight and chase a second UFC title. “Stillknocks” returned to action against Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma, putting on a dominant performance to secure a unanimous decision victory. While reclaiming the middleweight title remains his priority, Du Plessis has not ruled out a move to 205 pounds when the time is right.
However, his coach recently revealed that the UFC had approached the team with an unusual offer that could have seen Du Plessis compete in a one-night tournament to determine the next challenger for light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg.
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Du Plessis previously revealed that he cuts 45 pounds or more to make the middleweight limit, making a move up in weight an interesting possibility. However, when the UFC reportedly offered him a spot in the aforementioned tournament, his camp turned it down.
UFC Proposed One-Night Tournament Featuring Dricus Du Plessis, Magomed Ankalaev, Jiri Prochazka and Navajo Stirling
Speaking on the Fight Forecast podcast, Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, revealed the details of the proposed tournament.
He said, “UFC wanted him to go up to Light Heavyweight, but that’s not going to happen. He’s not a real 205er. They asked me three weeks ago. They asked me for Dricus to move up, and we’d join a pool of four fighters — Jiri, Dricus, Ankalaev, and [Stirling].”
What made the proposal even more unusual was the reported plan to hold the entire tournament in a single night. The UFC has not staged a format like this since its early days, making the alleged offer a particularly interesting one.
He added, “They wanted the four guys to go into a pool, fight on one night, then the winners fight each other, and then the winner of that fights Ulberg. A bit of a Grand Prix.”
Visser ultimately rejected the idea, explaining that Du Plessis needed more time to prepare his body for the heavier division. According to the coach, simply gaining weight would not be enough to compete against established light heavyweights, especially with only three weeks to prepare.
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“I said no because it’s very easy to go up to 205, but it took me a year to get Dricus from Welterweight to Middleweight. To put on the weight means absolutely nothing. Anyone can put on weight — just eat.”
Visser further explained that the team would approach the transition gradually, with the immediate focus remaining on reclaiming the middleweight championship.
“We need to get the power up. So, we will do that gradually because we will go up to 205. That’s 100 percent the plan. But we want our belt back and to defend it once. I made that clear to UFC.”
For now, Du Plessis appears set to remain at middleweight, where several potential matchups could be waiting for him. Brendan Allen has repeatedly called for a fight with the former champion, while Nassourdine Imavov could also become an option for the South African for vacant gold, particularly if Sean Strickland’s contract issues remain unresolved.
Dricus du Plessis wants to reclaim the middleweight belt before moving to 205 – and believes he can become light heavyweight champion too.
“I want to get my belt back and eventually go up to 205 and go test myself there. 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 at that division as well.”
via: @siasduplessis
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 19, 2026
Visser also revealed that Du Plessis is preparing to return after his honeymoon, with an early 2027 comeback in mind. Late February or March appears to be the likely target window.
Although the move to light heavyweight remains part of Du Plessis’ long-term plans, his camp is unwilling to rush the transition. With a potential matchup against Magomed Ankalaev at 205lbs also recently coming into the conversation, the South African has plenty to consider before deciding on his next move.
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