Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev have been at the center of a heated exchange in the lead-up to what was expected to be a blockbuster fight at UFC’s International Fight Week at the end of June. The two had been linked to face off in the highly anticipated match, but a series of rumors and injuries have led to a growing tension between the fighters, with both men now taking shots at one another on social media.

It all started when Chimaev took to X (formerly known as Twitter) on April 20, 2025, to call Du Plessis out, describing him as “this guy biggest bullshit.” The comment, which was short and to the point, sent ripples through the MMA community. Chimaev’s post appeared to be a response to Du Plessis’ injury rumors, which had surfaced earlier, suggesting that the South African middleweight was dealing with an issue that would delay or potentially cancel the fight. 

This was not something Du Plessis took lightly. In retaliation, Du Plessis fired back at Chimaev, using social media to make his point. The South African fighter didn’t back down and instead took the opportunity to address the criticisms, pointing out the discrepancies between the two fighters’ activity levels over the last two and a half years.

Du Plessis’ tweet read, “Let’s take a look at the last +-2.5 years and tell me who’s bullshit.” Accompanying the tweet was a chart detailing their fight histories, which painted a telling picture. Since September 2022, Chimaev has only fought three times, whereas Du Plessis has been much more active, competing six times during that period, including three title fights. What’s more, Du Plessis has had no canceled bouts, while Chimaev has had three during the same stretch. 

The stark contrast between their fight schedules gives Du Plessis a strong argument. While Chimaev has struggled with injuries and visa issues that have kept him from competing, Du Plessis has remained active and consistently in the octagon, putting in the work to prove himself as one of the most promising contenders in the UFC.

It is an understandable frustration for Du Plessis, who has worked hard to stay healthy and fight frequently, while Chimaev’s inactivity has drawn the ire of fans and pundits alike. Du Plessis’ response not only serves as a jab at Chimaev’s public comment but also a reminder of his own consistent performance in the UFC. For Du Plessis, this ongoing back-and-forth is a reflection of the hard work he’s put in while others have struggled to stay in the mix.

However, despite the growing animosity, the fight between Du Plessis and Chimaev, which was once thought to be a done deal for June’s International Fight Week, now seems increasingly unlikely. Du Plessis has pointed out that the fight was never officially signed or confirmed. The rumors surrounding the fight initially gained traction when both fighters expressed interest, but as time has passed, it has become clear that circumstances such as Chimaev’s injuries and visa troubles have made it difficult for the match to come to fruition.

Du Plessis raised the critical question in his social media response: “Question is was the fight signed?” This question, while simple, underlines a significant aspect of the situation. The fight had not yet been finalized, and with Chimaev dealing with ongoing issues, it looks as though fans may have to wait longer than expected to see these two fighters settle their differences in the cage.

While fans were hopeful for the showdown, Du Plessis’ recent comments shed light on how elusive such a fight could be, despite the high expectations and build-up. As the months pass and the UFC schedule fills up, it seems like the potential for this fight to happen in June is diminishing, leaving many wondering if it will ever materialize or if the two fighters will remain on separate paths for the foreseeable future.

Despite the back-and-forth, both Du Plessis and Chimaev remain key figures in the middleweight division. Chimaev, with his explosive fighting style and promise, is still a dangerous contender, and Du Plessis, with his impressive record and relentless approach, continues to climb up the ranks. Whether or not their fight happens in the near future, it is clear that both men are poised for major opportunities in the UFC, and the rivalry between them will likely continue to fuel discussions in the coming months.

In conclusion, while the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev fight may not be happening anytime soon, the war of words between them adds another layer of intrigue to the middleweight division. With Du Plessis calling out Chimaev for his inactivity and lack of commitment, the pressure is now on Chimaev to prove that his career is back on track and that he can overcome the obstacles that have hindered his progress. Whether this leads to a future showdown or not remains to be seen, but the rivalry between these two fighters is only just beginning.