A stunning turn of events shook the MMA world at 3:20 PM +07 on Monday, July 28, 2025, when Dricus du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, urgently requested the cancellation of his upcoming fight with Khamzat Chimaev. The South African fighter, visibly overwhelmed after witnessing Chimaev’s relentless training session, cited a cold and his doctor’s advice as the reasons for stepping back. The announcement, delivered through a terse statement to the UFC, has left fans and analysts reeling, with whispers of disbelief rippling through the community as they grapple with the implications for UFC 319, scheduled for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago.
Du Plessis, who boasts an impeccable 9-0 UFC record and a 22-2 career mark, has been a dominant force since claiming the middleweight title with a split decision over Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024. His reign has seen successful defenses against Israel Adesanya and a rematch with Strickland, cementing his status as a resilient champion. The matchup with Chimaev, an undefeated 14-0 contender ranked No. 3, was billed as a blockbuster main event, pitting du Plessis’ unorthodox striking against Chimaev’s suffocating wrestling. Yet, the intensity of Chimaev’s training—described by onlookers as a ferocious display of grappling and pressure—apparently left du Plessis shaken, prompting his abrupt decision.
Details remain scarce, but sources close to the fighter suggest that du Plessis fell ill shortly after observing Chimaev’s workout, possibly exacerbated by the physical and mental toll of the encounter. His doctor’s recommendation to avoid competition aligns with standard protocol for respiratory issues, though the timing—less than three weeks before the fight—has raised eyebrows. Du Plessis’ camp has yet to elaborate, leaving room for speculation about whether this is a genuine health concern or a strategic retreat. The champion’s reputation for toughness makes the latter seem unlikely, but the pressure of facing Chimaev, who recently submitted Robert Whittaker with a jaw-dropping face crank, could have played a role.
Chimaev’s camp reacted with a mix of frustration and defiance. The Chechen fighter, who hasn’t competed in the U.S. since 2022 due to past visa and weight issues, saw this as his long-awaited shot at UFC gold. His recent victories over Whittaker and Kamaru Usman had fueled his rise, and the withdrawal could delay his momentum. Posts found on X reflect a polarized sentiment, with some fans accusing du Plessis of dodging a challenge, while others sympathize with his health predicament. The lack of an official UFC statement keeps the narrative fluid, but the buzz suggests this could reshape the middleweight division’s trajectory.
The UFC now faces a logistical nightmare. UFC 319, the promotion’s first Chicago event since 2019, was built around this headline fight, with tickets on sale since June and a card featuring Jared Cannonier vs. Michael Page and Geoff Neal vs. Carlos Prates. Dana White has yet to comment, but insiders hint at a scramble to find a replacement. Nassourdine Imavov, ranked No. 1 and previously named as a backup, might step in, though his recent knockout of Adesanya has him eyeing a different path. The promotion’s ability to salvage the event will test its contingency planning, especially with pay-per-view buys and attendance at stake.
This incident echoes past MMA controversies, where last-minute withdrawals—like Chimaev’s own weight miss at UFC 279—have disrupted cards. However, du Plessis’ case stands out due to his championship status and the fight’s hype. Some speculate that the psychological edge Chimaev gained during training could have unnerved du Plessis, a theory supported by his visible reaction. Others point to the grueling nature of his title defenses, suggesting fatigue might have compounded his illness. Without clarity, the MMA community is left to ponder whether this marks a rare crack in du Plessis’ armor or a prudent health choice.
The fallout could redefine rivalries. Chimaev, who has traded barbs with du Plessis online, might now demand an interim title fight, potentially against Imavov or a rising contender like Caio Borralho. Du Plessis, if cleared, could face a redemption arc, but his legacy hinges on how this is perceived. Fans are divided, with some viewing it as a setback for a champion under pressure, while others see it as a testament to Chimaev’s intimidating presence. The UFC’s next move—whether a reshuffle or a delay—will shape the narrative.
As the clock ticks toward August 16, the octagon remains a stage of uncertainty. Du Plessis’ health update and the UFC’s response will be critical, with the middleweight division hanging in the balance. For now, the MMA world waits, caught between admiration for a champion’s journey and the shock of a fight that may never happen. The United Center looms large, a silent witness to a drama that could redefine the sport’s immediate future.
