By far the most intriguing matchup currently available at 185-pounds is by most measures a showdown between champion Dricus du Plessis and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. But we may have to wait a little longer.

According to a report by veteran reporter Kevin Iole and subsequently reported by MMA Junkie, South African champion Du Plessis has picked up an injury which may potentially delay a planned title defence against Chimaev which had been strongly linked to headlining the UFC’s annual ‘International Fight Week’ festivities in Las Vegas in late June.

There are no further details to the exact nature of why might be affecting Du Plessis, who had called for a bout with Chimaev last year only for the UFC to opt to pair him in a rematch with former champion Sean Strickland. Du Plessis won the February bout by unanimous decision.

Chimaev, meanwhile, has been consistently linked with a UFC title bout at both welterweight and middleweight since debuting with the organisation in the summer of 2020. In his last two fights, he has secured wins over former 170 and 185-pound champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker respectively.

It has since been reported that UFC middleweight Caio Borralho has been offered a bout with Chimaev, with the Brazilian stating on social media that Chimaev has accepted the fight.

UFC 317 is scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 28. A flyweight title bout between champion Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Kara-France has been confirmed for the main card.