At UFC 319, Dricus du Plessis faced a significant setback, marking his first defeat inside the Octagon. The former UFC middleweight champion has previously demonstrated resilience after losses in his career, but the manner in which he was defeated in his third title defense raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Notably, UFC analyst Daniel Cormier expressed his disappointment, questioning the South African fighter’s preparations for the August 16 bout.
Khamzat Chimaev showcased his wrestling skills in a way that left a lasting impression at UFC 319, dominating du Plessis throughout the fight. This performance has sparked concerns among other contenders in the middleweight division, as Chimaev's prowess could pose significant challenges for anyone looking to contend for the title. With the fallout from this fight, speculation about du Plessis' next steps has begun, and UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson weighed in with some controversial advice.
In a discussion on the Jaxxon Podcast’s UFC 319 recap, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson suggested that Dricus du Plessis should consider moving weight classes following his defeat. Jackson argued that if du Plessis had lost his title in a closely contested match, a rematch could be justified. However, he emphasized that the outcome at UFC 319 was decidedly one-sided, with UFC president Dana White agreeing that the scorecards should have reflected an even greater margin in favor of Chimaev.
Jackson firmly stated, “He just got destroyed. DDP shouldn’t even say the word ‘Re’ or ‘Match’ in the same f—— sentence in an interview, with all due respect. DDP needs to probably go to a different weight class. He probably should drop down in weight; he’s stuck.” This bold statement underscores Jackson's perspective that du Plessis should not only focus on a rematch but also consider a strategic transition in his fighting career.
While the prospect of moving weight classes may not be imminent for Dricus du Plessis, attention is now turning to potential opponents for his return to the Octagon. With the landscape of the middleweight division shifting, du Plessis has several options. Paulo Costa has been mentioned as a possible matchup, but it seems more logical for him to face one of the four fighters currently scheduled for bouts that will determine who will challenge Khamzat Chimaev next.
Du Plessis could potentially go up against fighters such as Nassourdine Imavov, Caio Borralho, Reinier de Ridder, or Anthony Hernandez in his comeback fight. The outcomes of these upcoming matchups will play a crucial role in shaping du Plessis' next steps in the UFC, as one of the winners may eventually face Chimaev, while another could welcome the former champion back into the Octagon.
As Dricus du Plessis looks to navigate the aftermath of his first loss in the Octagon, the focus will undoubtedly be on his next fight and how he can reclaim his status within the UFC middleweight division. Whether he chooses to stay in his current weight class or explore moving down, the future is uncertain yet filled with potential matchups that could reignite his championship aspirations.
