Overview
- Du Plessis has publicly said his immediate goal is to regain the UFC middleweight belt and only later move up to light heavyweight, a plan he reiterated in interviews this week.
- Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, said Tuesday that the camp turned down a UFC proposal to enter a one-night, four-man 205-pound Grand Prix that reportedly would have included Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev and Navajo Stirling.
- The team cited physical readiness and the need for gradual weight and power development, noting Du Plessis typically cuts about 45 pounds to make 185 and wants to defend the middleweight title before a permanent move to 205.
- No light-heavyweight debut or signed fights have been confirmed; the camp is targeting a return at middleweight in late February or March 2027 and is discussing possible opponents such as Brendan Allen and Nassourdine Imavov.
- The broader matchmaking context is fluid because of injuries and questions at 205 — the UFC explored quick solutions to name a challenger for champion Carlos Ulberg — but Du Plessis’ team says any jump to 205 will be deliberate and long term.