UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has confirmed that a long-anticipated title clash with undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev is 关键字3all but official, with a fight announcement expected "very soon."

Speaking on the Sias du Plessis Show, the South African champion revealed that while nothing has been signed yet, he has agreed to two potential fight dates.

“We have a date. We have the potential of two dates. I already agreed to both,” du Plessis said. “A lot of people asking if it’s this year. Yes, 100 percent. It’s not that far away.”

The 30-year-old champion also dismissed recent speculation that he was injured and would not return in 2025. “All these rumors that came out about injuries, I don’t know where they came from. It was ridiculous,” he said.

“I just left it for a week and thought, ‘Everybody had their fun. Now you’re all gonna look stupid.’”

Du Plessis (23-3) captured the middleweight title earlier this year and has since been fielding questions about his first defence.

The answer appears to be Chimaev (14-0), a rising force in the UFC known for his relentless style and dominance across weight classes.

“We’ve already agreed on a date, and that’s been a while ago. So I’m just waiting for the contract,” du Plessis added.

“That’s the fight that’s happening. It’s gonna be happening in the next couple of months, maximum four months.”

While the UFC has yet to confirm the matchup, du Plessis’ comments suggest the promotion is in the final stages of securing what would be one of the most anticipated middleweight title bouts in recent memory.