UFC 317 is scheduled to take place on June 28 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. According to several reports, Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev could potentially headline the PPV event, which will also coincide with International Fight Week.
With Dana White’s consent, the possibility of this fight becoming official is high, but there is a major catch. It could disappoint Chimaev fans who have been waiting a long time to see the powerhouse enter the octagon in the USA.
Uncertainty Looms Over Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev
UFC 317’s highly anticipated middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev might be in danger. Du Plessis is reportedly dealing with an injury, though it hasn’t been confirmed yet. This uncertainty could shake up the event, especially since it’s set to be a big part of International Fight Week.
MMA journalist Kevin Loel shared that Du Plessis may not make it to UFC 317 in June due to the injury. He said, “I’m hearing Dricus du Plessis is injured, and though there has been no confirmation, if that’s accurate, a bout between du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev couldn’t headline IFW.”
😳❌ There are rumours that Dricus Du Plessis is INJURED according to an article by Kevin Iole pic.twitter.com/lBqsNQeHEY
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) April 20, 2025
Meanwhile, Islam Makhachev has been rumored as a potential addition to UFC 317 should the du Plessis vs Chimaev bout fall through.
Could Islam Makhachev Save UFC 317?
Kevin Loel mentioned, “The Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority has invested millions with the UFC to make International Fight Week a mega-event, and it’s become one of the marquee cards of the year. It needs a superb headliner.”
According to his statement, the lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev, might be the one to save the day if the Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev fight doesn’t get confirmed due to du Plessis’s injury. It’s unclear whether Makhachev would defend his title or take another high-profile fight, but if Du Plessis is really injured, the UFC may need to introduce some changes to the lineup.
If Dricus is really injured, the only thing that can save UFC 317 is Islam either fighting or vacating so we get Topuria vs Arman. pic.twitter.com/cBuwycWwkW
— Oban Sonnen (@Brian_Rose33) April 20, 2025
However, it won’t be an easy job. Makhachev would need to move up a weight class, and the UFC would have to change its plans for both fighters. On top of that, Loel said a Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight could also be a big draw for the event. But there’s a catch: if Jones isn’t ready to fight in June, the fight could be moved to New York in November.
If Loel’s concerns turn out to be true, International Fight Week could end up being a major disappointment for UFC fans.
Subscribe
