Dricus Du Plessis had heard enough. For days, social media echoed with whispers—injury talk, shin fractures, accusations of ducking. Even Caio Borralho jumped into the fray, calling for an interim title fight against Khamzat Chimaev. But before the noise could reach fever pitch, the South African middleweight champ slammed the brakes.

“[OK], so everyone had their opinions and rumors and stories about a shin break and injuries etc. I found it all very entertaining, unfortunately, none of it is true, myself and [UFC] already discussed a fight date….”, Du Plessis wrote in an Instagram post that cut through the fog.

The real kicker, though? It came not from the champ, but from his coach, Morne Visser.

In a post on Instagram shared by ‘Cage Culture’, Visser confirmed what many had speculated and few could prove: the fight is on. Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is happening. But there’s a twist. “Definitely not going to be international fight week,” Visser stated. “They’ve got something else planned for that. But we’re waiting for the contract—it’s a done deal.”

There it was—straight from the camp’s inner circle. The delay wasn’t a dodge, it was a design. The champ isn’t hiding. The date’s just not what the fans expected.

This development also puts a serious dent in previous hopes that Dricus Du Plessis vs. Chimaev might headline UFC 317. With the middleweight belt now out of that conversation, speculation has pivoted toward another championship pairing—Islam Makhachev vs. Ilia Topuria.

Want a few breadcrumbs? Topuria recently posted on his X account, “The camp has begun,” while Spanish reporter Alvaro Colmenero confirmed that the Dagestani champion has also kicked off his training. Visser’s choice of words—“they’ve got something else planned for that”—only fans the flames.

And it makes sense. With both champions reportedly in camp and the UFC’s marquee summer card missing a confirmed headliner, all signs point to the lightweight and featherweight kings stepping into the spotlight.

As for Du Plessis, the road to ‘Borz’ appears firmly in view. Chimaev remains undefeated with a reputation as a finisher and a storm few can weather. But the South African isn’t one to back down. Since entering the UFC, he’s carved a perfect path through the division, capped by a war with Sean Strickland and a stunning submission win over Israel Adesanya in his last 2-fights!

So, when will UFC boss Dana White give the fans what they’ve been clamoring for and announce the highly anticipated main event for UFC 317?

Dana White ‘trolls’ the MMA sphere as Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev off the table for UFC 317

International Fight Week is knocking. One of the biggest cards of the year is taking shape. UFC 317 promises fireworks—but who lights the fuse? The UFC’s silence only fuels the doubt. Frustration has turned to fire online. And Dana White? Well, he’s feeding bulls, not dreams.

The UFC boss recently posted about his PBR (Professional Bull Riders) team online. But fans didn’t bite. One comment pierced straight to the crux of the issue, writing, “Who cares about your cow. Announce the fight.”

Dana White didn’t flinch at all as he laughed back with, “LMFAO!!!!! I’m NEVER announcing it. How handsome is that BULL!?!? SAY IT”

So what now? With Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev quietly in the bag but officially off the UFC 317 table, the spotlight shifts. The chatter isn’t slowing down—it’s just changing direction. All signs now point to Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria possibly stealing the main event honors.

The clues are there. The camps are active. The anticipation is bubbling over, but will Dana White make the announcement anytime soon? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!