UFC middleweight contender Brendan Allen is back in the gym and focused on making 2026 a breakout year, with his eyes firmly set on a showdown against former champion Dricus Du Plessis. Speaking to TMZ Sports months after his win over Reinier de Ridder in Vancouver, Allen said he’s hopeful the matchup can be made in the New Year, but admitted uncertainty over whether Du Plessis is equally eager.

Allen suggested there may be a disconnect between Du Plessis’ public comments and private intentions. “You never know what that dude, what someone says in public and what they say behind closed doors sometimes don’t align,” Allen said, adding that for now, his camp is waiting to see how things unfold. Du Plessis, 31, last fought in August, losing by unanimous decision to Khamzat Chimaev after an 11-fight win streak that included victories over Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Derek Brunson.

Despite the uncertainty, Allen believes the matchup would deliver fireworks for fans if the UFC can make it happen. Praising Du Plessis’ grit and unpredictability, Allen said the key is simply getting him to sign on. “If we can get him to the fight, then I think it’ll be a banger for everyone to watch,” he said, fueling anticipation for what could be one of the division’s most compelling clashes.

Visit www.jocomms.com for more news details and follow us on all our social media platforms