Dricus du Plessis Targeted Future Bout with Roberto Soldic
The former champion has signaled interest in reigniting his historical rivalry with Roberto Soldic.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Dricus du Plessis has expressed interest in a future fight against Roberto Soldic, revisiting a rivalry that dates back to 2018. The potential matchup comes following Soldic's successful UFC debut at UFC 332.
Why it matters
A potential clash between these two fighters would revive a 2018 series where both men secured a victory against the other. The outcome of upcoming middleweight division fights, including the bout between Sean Strickland and Nassourdine Imavov, will likely shape the path for this potential contest.
Dricus du Plessis carries a streak of 11 consecutive wins, while Roberto Soldic recently survived two early knockdowns to secure a decision victory against Khaos Williams at UFC 332.
The players
Dricus du Plessis
He is a professional mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion known for his high-volume winning streaks.
Roberto Soldic
He is a 31-year-old professional fighter who recently made his debut in the UFC following his time in the KSW and ONE Championship organizations.
Khamzat Chimaev
He is a professional fighter who captured the UFC middleweight title from Dricus du Plessis in August 2025.
Kamaru Usman
He is a former UFC welterweight champion who was defeated by Dricus du Plessis in July 2026.
Khaos Williams
He is a professional mixed martial artist who faced Roberto Soldic at UFC 332.
The details
Dricus du Plessis, who lost the UFC middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev in August 2025, recently defeated Kamaru Usman in July 2026. Roberto Soldic, who competed in three bouts between 2022 and 2025 across other organizations, successfully entered the UFC promotion with his recent win.
Timeline
Dricus du Plessis and Roberto Soldic fought twice in 2018.
Dricus du Plessis lost the middleweight title at UFC 319 in August 2025.
Dricus du Plessis defeated Kamaru Usman in July 2026.
Roberto Soldic defeated Khaos Williams at UFC 332 on October 3, 2026.
Dricus du Plessis expects to return to fighting in early 2027.
Season Trajectory
This potential matchup shifts the middleweight landscape by offering a high-profile legacy fight that could alter future title contention. It follows the 2018 KSW middleweight championship series between Dricus du Plessis and Roberto Soldic, effectively extending that historical rivalry into the modern UFC era.
A confirmed fight would provide significant clarity to the current middleweight rankings and playoff-style title path. Dricus du Plessis is currently working toward a return to action scheduled for early 2027.
The takeaway
Legacy rematches often serve as major draws for fans interested in how athletes have evolved since their last meeting. Understanding the history between long-time rivals provides a clearer view of the stakes in modern professional fighting.
Further reading
For more updates on current rosters and upcoming bouts, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
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