The UFC is facing growing scrutiny from fans and media analysts as UFC 317, scheduled for June at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, still has no confirmed main event, leaving fight enthusiasts questioning the promotion’s planning. With just weeks remaining before the event, the absence of a headline bout has sparked speculation about potential matchups and whether the UFC is struggling to secure a marquee fight.
The lack of clarity has led to frustration among fans, who are accustomed to high-profile matchups being announced well in advance for major pay-per-view events. If the UFC doesn’t reveal a compelling main event soon, UFC 317 risks being overshadowed by other summer fight cards, further fueling doubts about the promotion’s current scheduling strategy.
Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has fired back at the MMA community after rumors swirled about him withdrawing from a potential June fight due to injury. The South African star took to Instagram to shut down speculation, delivering a defiant message that left no room for misinterpretation. With his signature confidence, du Plessis made it clear that he’s in control of his title reign—and the division will move on his terms.
In his post, du Plessis addressed the rumors head-on, writing in an Instagram post, "Everyone had their opinions and rumors and stories about a shin break and injuries… I found it all very entertaining. Unfortunately, none of it is true."
The champion dismissed claims that he had suffered a serious injury or backed out of a scheduled bout, emphasizing that no fight was ever officially signed for June. His tone was equal parts amused and dismissive, as if the speculation was little more than background noise.
Du Plessis didn’t stop there. Aiming potential contenders, he added, “I am the champion. I know when I fight you, as a contender, just show up when we tell you to."
He was likely referencing top middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev, who just last week called out du Plessis after believing the injury rumors and posted on X, “This guy biggest bullsh—.”
Stillknocks fired back in response on the social media platform, posting an image of Chimaev’s cancelled bouts and telling him, “Let’s take a look at the last [two and a half years] and tell me who’s bullshit.”
The champion’s message was a clear warning to the division: the champ calls the shots. His words carry extra weight given the stacked middleweight roster, with Chimaev eagerly awaiting a shot at his belt.
The UFC has yet to officially announce du Plessis’ next title defense, but the 30-year-old teased that the news of his upcoming fight is imminent, sending fans into a frenzy of speculation. Whoever his potential opponent will be, du Plessis has made it clear he’s not fazed by outside chatter.
This isn’t the first time du Plessis has leaned into his no-nonsense persona. Since claiming the belt with a split-decision win over Strickland at UFC 297, he’s embraced the role of an outspoken champion.
With a fight announcement looming, the middleweight division, MMA media, and UFC fans are on high alert.
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