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UFC 317: Dricus Du Plessis Injured Out vs Khamzat Chimaev Main Event International Fight Week Disrupted by Main Event Change
- Mark Myword
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Event Status and Middleweight Division Update
In recent developments, the middleweight title situation for the UFC’s upcoming International Fight Week remains in question as injuries have altered expectations for the main event. The original plan centered on a middleweight championship matchup, which is no longer moving forward as originally anticipated.
Planned Title Clash:
Dricus Du Plessis: Holds a professional MMA record of 23-2 and an undefeated 9-0 run in the UFC. After defeating Sean Strickland in early 2024 to capture the title, he went on to defend it successfully.
Khamzat Chimaev: Bringing a perfect 14-0 MMA record and 8-0 in the UFC, Chimaev has been considered one of the top contenders in the middleweight ranks since his UFC debut in 2020.
Du Plessis has solidified his position as the division’s leader following significant victories. He has climbed to No. 1 in the middleweight rankings and top five in pound-for-pound standings. His callout for a fight against Chimaev generated excitement, setting the stage for what many saw as an inevitable title bout on a major card.
Despite these high expectations, Du Plessis suffered an injury, casting doubt on whether he would compete at UFC 317. This pay-per-view event, expected to take place during International Fight Week at T-Mobile Arena, has not made any official main event announcement regarding the middleweight title. This uncertainty departs from the norm, as the UFC traditionally aims for standout headline bouts during this annual showcase.
Current UFC 317 Lineup:
Fighter | Division | Title Status |
Alexandre Pantoja | Flyweight | Champion |
Kai Kara-France | Flyweight | Challenger |
Dricus Du Plessis | Middleweight | Champion (injured) |
Khamzat Chimaev | Middleweight | Top Contender |
Chimaev’s rise has come with setbacks, primarily due to injuries and training interruptions, although he recently demonstrated his abilities with a first-round submission victory over Robert Whittaker. That win was recognized as Submission of the Year, reinforcing his status as a top threat for the middleweight belt.
Both Du Plessis and Chimaev have captured the attention of MMA fans, but the situation at UFC 317 remains fluid. The organization has not confirmed any changes or new matchups for its International Fight Week headliner, leaving the status of its middleweight title clash unresolved. For more on the uncertainty surrounding the UFC 317 main event, see updated reports.