The highly anticipated middleweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis could be on hold. The two were expected to headline UFC 317 this summer with the middleweight strap on the line during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
However, veteran MMA journalist Kevin Iole reported that du Plessis may be sidelined due to injury, prompting the UFC to consider alternate plans for the card. UFC 317 reportedly features a flyweight title bout between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France, but a strong co-main or headlining act is still needed to carry the pay-per-view.
Caio Borralho Claims Khamzat Chimaev Said ‘Yes’ to Fight
In the wake of Dricus du Plessis’ rumored withdrawal, Brazil’s Caio Borralho stepped forward and said Chimaev has already agreed to a matchup with him.
Borralho, ranked No. 6 in the 185-pound division, posted on X calling for an interim title fight against Chimaev, stating, “I know a guy, UFC, you know who to call.”
I know a guy ☝️ @ufc you know who to call
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 20, 2025
Interim?
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 20, 2025
Borralho flaunted his previous four wins over Russians and boldly predicted that this time would be no different. He later claimed that “Borz” had agreed to the fight.
“Khamzat said yes! The only thing that makes sense is the Interim belt! This fight is gonna be bigger than him vs Dricus! Mark my words.”
Khamzat said yes!
The only thing that makes sense is the Interim belt!
This fight is gonna be bigger than him vs Dricus! Marks my words
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 20, 2025
This potential bout could serve as a much-needed centerpiece for UFC 317, keeping Chimaev active and injecting fresh drama into the middleweight title picture.
The promotion is yet to make any official announcements.
A Look Into Khamzat Chimaev’s Undefeated Run in the UFC So Far
Khamzat Chimaev’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Since debuting in July 2020 with a submission win over John Phillips, the undefeated fighter has compiled a string of dominant performances across both the welterweight and middleweight divisions.
He holds victories over names like Gilbert Burns, Li Jingliang, Kevin Holland, and Kamaru Usman, the latter of whom he defeated after a one-year layoff at UFC 294. He is currently on a 14-fight winning streak.
Chimaev most recently submitted former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker via face crank at UFC 308, earning yet another “Performance of the Night” bonus. The face crank left Whittaker’s mouth a bloody mess as it pushed back a set of his front teeth, which were already vulnerable from previous injuries.
People ask why Whittaker tapped so fast against Chimaev🤨
I was confused aswell🧐
but Khamzat disloacted Whittakers jaw and broke almost all of his teeth💀
fighters possess a strength that goes far beyond what one perceives as a spectator pic.twitter.com/C79dpFPluw
— CARLO (@0xdoncarlo) October 26, 2024
Despite health setbacks and a brief retirement scare in 2021 due to COVID-19 complications, Chimaev has remained one of the UFC’s most feared and dynamic athletes. With his aggressive style, unbeaten record, and increasing star power, he remains a major threat in whichever division he competes in.
If an interim title bout with Borralho materializes, it could be the perfect test to determine if Chimaev is truly ready to hold gold and set up an explosive unification bout with “StillKnocks” later this year.