UFC Offered Dricus Du Plessis a One-Night Light Heavyweight Tournament for Title Shot

Dricus Du Plessis, fresh off a strong unanimous decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma, has shared his ambitions to climb to the light heavyweight division and chase a second UFC title. While his main goal remains regaining the middleweight championship, he's open to stepping up to 205 pounds when the timing feels right.

Unusual UFC Proposal: Four-Man Tournament in One Night

According to Morne Visser, Du Plessis' coach, the UFC recently pitched an unconventional plan: a one-night tournament featuring four fighters battling for a shot at light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg. The proposed participants were Dricus Du Plessis, Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, and Navajo Stirling.

The format was to have all four compete on the same evening, with winners facing off until one emerged to challenge Ulberg. This idea resembles the old-school Grand Prix style UFC hasn't tried in years. Visser revealed on the Fight Forecast podcast that they declined the offer.

Why Du Plessis’ Team Said No

Visser explained that Du Plessis cuts over 45 pounds to make middleweight, so moving up to light heavyweight isn’t just about gaining weight. He isn’t a natural 205-pound fighter, and three weeks wasn't enough time to physically prepare for such a jump. The team decided it was better to take time to properly adjust before competing in the heavier division.

Looking Ahead: Return and Future Plans

Du Plessis is currently on his honeymoon but aims to return early next year, possibly in late February or March 2027. While the move to light heavyweight remains a part of his future plans, his camp wants to avoid rushing the transition. There's also talk of a potential matchup against Magomed Ankalaev at 205 pounds, adding to the decisions ahead.

• Proposed tournament fighters: Dricus Du Plessis, Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, Navajo Stirling
• Tournament format: Four fighters compete in one night; winners face off; final winner challenges Carlos Ulberg
• Du Plessis weight cut: Over 45 pounds to reach middleweight
• Coach’s reason to decline: Insufficient time to prepare physically for light heavyweight
• Expected comeback: Early 2027, around late February or March