UFC 317, set to headline International Fight Week in Las Vegas from June 25 to 29, 2025, might lose its planned middleweight title fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis and challenger Khamzat Chimaev due to injury rumors surrounding Du Plessis. Veteran MMA journalist Kevin Iole shared insights on this development, while No. 6 ranked middleweight Caio Borralho has emerged as a potential replacement opponent for Chimaev.
Iole wrote on his website on Friday, April 18, 2025, emphasizing the importance of International Fight Week for the UFC.
“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 marquee cards of the year. It needs a superb headliner, such as the heavyweight title bout between champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall,” he said.
However, he noted that if Jones isn’t ready to fight in June, that bout might move to November in New York, leaving UFC 317 needing a strong main event.
Du Plessis Injury Rumors Disrupt Chimaev Fight as Borralho Steps In
The situation became more complicated with unconfirmed reports about Du Plessis.
“But if Jones isn’t prepared to fight in June, that fight likely moves to New York in November. I’m hearing Dricus Du Plessis is injured, and though there has been no confirmation but if that’s accurate, a bout between Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev couldn’t headline IFW,” Iole wrote.
While Du Plessis’s injury remains a rumor, it has already impacted plans for UFC 317, where he was expected to defend his middleweight title against Chimaev.
Seizing the opportunity, Caio Borralho called out Chimaev on social media. On Sunday, April 20, 2025, the Brazilian tweeted:
“I know a guy @ufc you know who to call,” revealing that Chimaev had accepted a fight against him.
I know a guy ☝️ @ufc you know who to call
— Caio Borralho (@BorralhoCaio) April 20, 2025
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
Borralho, who is on a seven-fight winning streak in the UFC with notable wins over Jared Cannonier and Paul Craig, suggested the bout could be for an interim middleweight title if Du Plessis is sidelined for an extended period.
Borralho’s confidence stems from his past training experience with Chimaev. The two have trained together in Sweden and Las Vegas, with Borralho helping Chimaev prepare for a fight against Nate Diaz that never happened. Despite their friendly relationship, Borralho has expressed willingness to face Chimaev, stating on the Jaxxon Podcast in March 2025 that he’d fight anyone to secure a title shot, even a former training partner.
The uncertainty around UFC 317’s main event has fans eager to see if Borralho versus Chimaev will become the new headliner for International Fight Week. While Du Plessis’s injury status remains unclear, Borralho’s challenge could lead to an exciting interim title fight, setting the stage for a future unification bout.
