Magomed Ankalaev recently namedropped Dricus du Plessis when discussing his options.

Du Plessis beat Kamaru Usman in July to bounce back from losing the middleweight title last year.

While he put himself back in the conversation at 185 pounds, the division has been left in an awkward position due to Sean Strickland’s issues with the UFC.

If Ankalaev is to be believed, it looks like this stalling could lead to ‘Stillknocks’ moving up in weight in order to secure another big matchup.

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Magomed Ankalaev says a matchup with Dricus du Plessis is possible following talks

Magomed Ankalaev and Dricus du Plessis are in somewhat similar positions in different weight classes.

Last time out, Ankalaev beat Bogdan Guskov to return to the win column after losing his belt, but this wasn’t enough for him to earn a shot at reclaiming his belt.

There aren’t too many options for either man in their respective divisions given how high they are in the rankings as former champions.

According to the Russian, this has led to discussions taking place regarding a potential matchup between them at 205 pounds.

Ankalaev recently spoke with BOSTANOV MMA about his current options, or lack thereof, after originally telling the UFC that he wanted to return in October.

He went on to say that du Plessis’ name had come up in talks and remains a possibility, though it looks unlikely he’ll be fighting again this year.

“Yes, he wants to move up and it’s possible that they will book a fight between us,” Ankalaev said, adding that he’s interested in this option. “That’s the only information we have for now, we don’t have anything else.”

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Dricus du Plessis contradicted Magomed Ankalaev’s comments about this being a possibility

It is no secret that Dricus du Plessis plans on competing in the light heavyweight division at some stage.

However, Magomed Ankalaev saying that this matchup is possible doesn’t align with what ‘Stillknocks’ has in mind, at least at this time.

The former middleweight champion recently told The Sias du Plessis Show that while he’s confident about making the move to 205 pounds, he has unfinished business to attend to first.

“I want to get my belt back and eventually go up to 205 and go test myself there,” he said. “And I’m certain that I’ll be a champion. I’m big enough for that division, and I’m certain I can be champion at that division as well.”