Dricus Plessis

Khamzat Chimaev has publicly called out four middleweight contenders for his next UFC appearance, naming Sean Strickland, Dricus du Plessis, Nassourdine Imavov, and Caio Borralho. Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title to Strickland at UFC 328 in May — his first professional defeat — and has been angling for a rematch ever since. He made clear he is willing to face any of the four if the Strickland matchup does not materialise.

Strickland, Borralho, Chimaev+1

Caio Borralho says he has recovered from a rib injury and is targeting a fight with Dricus Du Plessis before the end of 2026, having formally requested a November 14 date from the UFC. He also cited December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as an alternative, noting he has never lost in Vegas. Borralho says he has been campaigning for the Du Plessis matchup since early in his UFC tenure and is training fully, including sparring, but added he is willing to face any top-10 opponent the UFC puts in front of him.

Borralho

Gregory Rodrigues delivered what he called the best performance of his career at UFC Sacramento, defeating Anthony Hernandez by five-round unanimous decision in the main event to extend his winning streak to four. The victory moved the No. 15-ranked middleweight past the No. 5-ranked Hernandez, and Rodrigues wasted no time calling out former champion Dricus du Plessis at the post-fight interview. He also named Khamzat Chimaev as an alternative target, making clear he expects a top-three opponent next rather than a step back in competition.

Hernandez, Chimaev, Rodrigues

Roberto Soldic has confirmed his ONE Championship contract has officially expired, making the Croatian knockout artist a free agent. The former KSW two-division champion went 1-1-1 during his ONE tenure and had previously turned down a UFC offer in 2022. Now 31, Soldic — the only man to knock out UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis — is expected to attract fresh interest from major promotions including the UFC.