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Dricus Du Plessis believes he could fight for the title next

UFC middleweight champion **Dricus Du Plessis** has quietly positioned himself as a potential title contender amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the division. Since capturing the 185 lbs title with a dominant victory over **Khamzat Chimaev** at UFC 328 in May, Du Plessis has yet to defend his belt, leaving his path to a rematch unclear.

Meanwhile, reigning champion **Sean Strickland** has faced mounting criticism over his delayed first title defense, with reports suggesting financial disputes and public frustration over the UFC’s handling of his contract. Strickland’s prolonged absence—marked by a lack of action since his upset win—has fueled speculation about his future in the sport, with some questioning whether his focus remains on MMA.

Amid the chaos, **Brendan Allen** has publicly criticized Du Plessis for allegedly avoiding a fight with him, adding another layer of intrigue to the middleweight landscape. With Strickland’s title defense stalled and top contenders like **Nassourdine Imavov** waiting in the wings, Du Plessis could soon find himself in the mix for a shot at the championship if the UFC prioritizes a high-profile matchup.

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