Former UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has responded sharply to Kamaru Usman’s apparent refusal of an offer to fight. Du Plessis, eager for another chance to face UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, believes a match against Usman could be his path back to the title conversation. The chance for a No. 1 contender fight seemed promising following Du Plessis’ unanimous decision loss to Chimaev at UFC 319 last year.
Recently, rumors connected Du Plessis with a possible showdown at 185 pounds against Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion. However, Usman has expressed little enthusiasm about moving up a weight class, focusing instead on preparations for a fight with UFC lightweight titleholder Islam Makhachev. This stance has frustrated Du Plessis, who sees Usman’s reluctance as an obstacle to his own title ambitions.
Du Plessis Reacts to Usman’s Rejection as a Missed Opportunity
During an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Du Plessis addressed Usman’s recent comments regarding the proposed fight. Usman previously acknowledged he was offered a bout with Du Plessis but emphasized that the fight had to be meaningful enough to lead to a title shot.
“The other things were presented to me, like DDP. DDP was presented to me. One thing about me is when they call me and say this guy or that guy, I say yes. It has to be meaningful – if it gets me to the title, that’s what I…” ?Kamaru Usman, former UFC welterweight champion
Du Plessis, however, challenged the narrative claiming he never received an official offer. He insisted that had the offer been made, he would have gladly accepted it, given it was a direct path to another title opportunity.
“It’s going to be interesting to see who they give me. I know they said Kamaru Usman got the offer, but I didn’t get that offer, ever,”
“If they gave me that offer, I would’ve taken that fight if that’s what they offered me. Whatever gets me to a title shot again, that’s what I need. I like any fights. He has his reasons for [declining], and his team too. Maybe they don’t like my style or don’t like the fight. But yeah, 100 percent, I had just had the belt.”
He emphasized his recent status as the former champion as a justification for the fight’s significance.
“It’s not like I’m a former champion from years ago. I literally just lost the belt,”
“So if you’re looking for that title shot, that fight makes a lot of sense.”
Assessing the Current Landscape for Du Plessis’ Return
Kamaru Usman last competed at UFC Atlanta, where he defeated Joaquin Buckley to end a three-fight losing streak. Du Plessis, meanwhile, aims to bounce back from his first professional UFC loss to Chimaev. The unfolding developments between these fighters are significant as both remain major figures in the middleweight division’s title chase.
Du Plessis’ push for a meaningful fight reflects his determination to reclaim championship status, while Usman’s strategic focus on competing at lightweight against Islam Makhachev leaves his middleweight future uncertain. The standoff limits Du Plessis’ immediate options but also raises anticipation about who he may face next as he prepares for his return to the Octagon.
Kamaru Usman says he was offered Dricus Du Plessis
“The other things were presented to me, like DDP. DDP was presented to me. One thing about me is when they call me and say this guy or that guy, I say yes. It has to be meaningful – if it gets me to the title, that’s what I… pic.twitter.com/CKgb2PepIR
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 26, 2026
