Magomed Ankalaev has revealed that Dricus du Plessis could be considering a move to light heavyweight after the former UFC middleweight champion’s name came up in discussions about a potential matchup
Du Plessis returned to the win column in July when he defeated Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City, bouncing back from his middleweight title loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 last year.
While the victory put him back in the middleweight title conversation, uncertainty surrounding Sean Strickland’s issues with the UFC has left the division in an awkward position.
According to Ankalaev, the situation could open the door for Du Plessis to move up in weight and pursue another major matchup.
The two former champions find themselves in somewhat similar positions in their respective divisions. Ankalaev also returned to winning ways when he defeated Bogdan Guskov at UFC Abu Dhabi in July, but the victory did not immediately put him in line for another light heavyweight title shot.
With both men already established near the top of their respective divisions, finding suitable opponents could prove difficult. Ankalaev has now suggested that a potential clash with Du Plessis at 205 pounds has entered the conversation.
Speaking with BOSTANOV MMA, the Russian discussed his options after previously expressing his desire to return to action in October.
Ankalaev revealed that Du Plessis’ name had come up during discussions and suggested that the UFC could book the fight, although he offered no confirmation that negotiations had progressed beyond that stage.
“Yes, he wants to move up and it’s possible that they will book a fight between us,” Ankalaev said, adding that he was interested in the matchup. “That’s the only information we have for now, we don’t have anything else.”
Du Plessis has previously expressed interest in testing himself in the light heavyweight division. However, Ankalaev’s comments do not entirely align with the South African’s immediate plans.
The former middleweight champion recently told The Sias du Plessis Show that he intends to reclaim his middleweight title before making the move to 205 pounds.
“I want to get my belt back and eventually go up to 205 and go test myself there,” he said. “And I’m certain that I’ll be a champion. I’m big enough for that division, and I’m certain I can be champion at that division as well.”
For now, Du Plessis has not confirmed any plans to move up in weight. While a potential fight with Ankalaev would offer an intriguing opportunity, reclaiming the middleweight championship remains his stated priority.
