UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis has addressed recent speculation regarding the status of his next title defense.
The undefeated Khamzat Chimaev looked to have secured a first title shot in MMA’s leading promotion this summer after he breezed past former champ Robert Whittaker in Abu Dhabi last October.
But though reports placed his clash with Du Plessis on the UFC 317 card during International Fight Week in late June, Kevin Iole recently claimed that an injury to “Stillknocks” is set to delay his third defense.
“Borz” was quick to corroborate the news with a frustrated post on social media, but Du Plessis has now denied the speculation.
The South African titleholder hit back at recent rumors in an Instagram post, insisting that no June fight was ever signed and that an announcement regarding his return date is on the way.
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“Okey so everyone had their opinions and rumours and stories about a shin break and injuries etc.,” Du Plessis wrote. “I found it all very entertaining, unfortunately none of it is true myself and @ufc already discussed a fight date and opponent, the June fight was never signed I did not pull out of any fight, I am the champion I know when I fight you as a contender just show up when we tell you to. Fight announcement coming soon stay tuned. #preparetobeamazed #stillknocks
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For now, talk of the International Fight Week main event has turned to Ilia Topuria, who is expected to challenge for lightweight gold in the UFC 317 main event.
