One of the most active UFC champions in the past year and a half, Dricus du Plessis, was reportedly set to put his belt up for grabs for a third time in the summer. Although the promotion’s brass has yet to announce anything, speculations were rife that ‘Stillknocks’ would defend his title against Khamzat Chimaev at International Fight Week. But as soon as those rumors surfaced online, another one followed, shattering the chance of seeing that fight happen anytime soon.

Well, some sources have claimed that Dricus du Plessis is not in any state to compete currently. He seems to have suffered an injury, and things are looking doubtful regarding his appearance at UFC 317. Here’s what we know about the whole situation involving the UFC middleweight champion.

Initial speculations about Dricus du Plessis’ injury

It was veteran combat sports Kevin Iole, who first shared the news about Dricus du Plessis getting injured. But the issue here is that even a longtime journalist couldn’t confirm this fact, which led to a bit of ambiguity surrounding the South African’s current status. “I’m hearing Dricus Du Plessis is injured, and though there has been no confirmation, if that’s accurate, a bout between Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev couldn’t headline IFW,” Iole wrote last Friday.

Reacting to this rumor, middleweight contender Caio Borralho decided to shoot his shot and call out Khamzat Chimaev to fight as Dricus du Plessis’ replacement. The Brazilian had reportedly told UFC legend Daniel Cormier that there were talks about him taking on Nassourdine Imavov at UFC 317. But now that there’s an opening in the main event, he wants Dana White to put an interim title up for grabs against Chimaev, since both of them are undefeated in the UFC.

However, Michael Bisping laid down the condition for the interim title, which revolved around the undisputed champion and how long he stays sidelined due to an injury. “As I said, injuries happen. Happens all the time. The only way I could see any kind of validity to an interim title fight would be if Dricus needs surgery,” the UFC Hall of Famer stated on YouTube. “If he’s going to be out for about six, seven, eight months at minimum, then [it’s] okay.” Well, it seems like Borralho has confirmed Bisping’s doubts about Dricus du Plessis.

Caio Borralho adds fuel to Du Plessis’ injury rumors

‘The Natural’ shared a scoop recently regarding Dricus du Plessis’ rumored injury. While he appeared sure about the rumored injury, Caio Borralho wasn’t sure what the issue exactly was, as he claimed the injury might have been related to ‘Stillknocks’s shin. And guess what? He got this news from people around du Plessis’ inner circle. “I also heard from another source a little closer to Dricus’ camp that it was an injury that seems to be a little serious, like a broken shin. I don’t know. Something like that,” Borralho told Ag. Fight.

He shared a further update, which sounded like good news to him. Caio Borralho claims that from what he’s heard, Dricus du Plessis could be sidelined for more than six months, which is exactly the condition Michael Bisping laid down for an interim title fight. “He’ll be out for about six months, and that would make it easier for the UFC to put [the interim title on the line]. So, I’m waiting for that. This fight will only happen if it’s for the interim belt,” the Brazilian native added.

In all of this mess, Khamzat Chimaev might be suffering the most because he may not get his shot at Dricus du Plessis’ undisputed title. But do you think an interim title will be a bad idea if the South African can’t make it to the fight because of his injury? Let us know in the comments down below.