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Magomed Ankalaev says Dricus du Plessis fight in discussion at light heavyweight

Du Plessis has said he wants to move up to 205 pounds eventually, but only after trying to win back the UFC middleweight title he lost.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published · AI-assisted reporting
Magomed Ankalaev
Photo: UFC

Magomed Ankalaev has said the UFC has put Dricus du Plessis forward as a possible opponent for his return at light heavyweight, which he expects in the next few months.

Ankalaev said nothing has been agreed. He said: “Right now, we’re waiting.” He added: “There’s some talk that Dricus du Plessis, he wants to move up and maybe they’ll make the fight with me. That’s the information we have for now, we don’t have any other info yet.” The timing does not match du Plessis's own stated plans. The former middleweight champion has said he would like to move up to 205 pounds in the future, because he cuts a lot of weight and sees himself as a future two-division champion. He has also said he intends to win back the 185-pound title first.

Du Plessis is close to another title shot at middleweight. He has beaten the current champion, Sean Strickland, twice.

In this story
Magomed AnkalaevSean Strickland
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Sources