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MMA·PREVIEW·July 16, 2026 03:50 PM ET

Du Plessis eyes return, another shot at middleweight title

Held the belt before dropping it to Chimaev

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 161 min read
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What happened: Dricus du Plessis says he is working to prove he has made the necessary adjustments as he prepares for a return at UFC Oklahoma City. Du Plessis says his goal is to be the greatest martial artist ever as he looks to work his way back into middleweight title contention.

Why it matters: The middleweight title has changed hands twice since Du Plessis last held it, with Khamzat Chimaev taking it from him before Sean Strickland reclaimed it from Chimaev by decision. A strong showing from Du Plessis would put him back into the conversation in one of the UFC's most contested divisions.

What to watch: Du Plessis is expected on the UFC Oklahoma City card, where a win would move him closer to another middleweight title shot.

Sources

  • @UFCNews 
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