Five Next Fights To Make in the UFCs Middleweight Division
The last month has been stacked with high-ranked Middleweights, from UFC 297 hosting the title fight between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis to the last two Fight Night cards being headlined by Middleweights. We will discuss some of the next possible matchups for the division and how they could impact the future.
Dricus du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya
The MMA world got flipped upside down at UFC 290 and UFC 293. Dricus du Plessis, TKOed Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland defeated Israel Adesanya by a lopsided decision, which put them on an inevitable crash course. Now that the fight is over, most people can see the writing on the wall; the next Middleweight title fight will be between du Plessis and Adesanya.
Although many fans believe Adesanya doesn't deserve a title shot, given his star power and the rivalry African rivalry that has brewed between the two, the UFC would be foolish to pass up on the opportunity of booking them together now. Du Plessis is undefeated in the UFC and is the newly minted Champion, whereas Adesanya has wins over half the top-5 of the division. Despite how fans may feel about this fight next, it will undoubtedly be an exciting clash of styles, pitting the unorthodox style of "Stillknocks" against the patient and methodical kickboxing from "The Last Stylebender."
Jared Cannonier vs. Khamzat Chimaev
The next matchup would belong on a PPV main card. Jared Cannonier vs. Khamzat Chimaev is the next fight to book, preferably as a unique five-round fight. Cannonier is riding a two-fight win streak since losing to Israel Adesanya, defeating Sean Strickland and Marvin Vettori by decision. Due to the confusion at the top of the Middleweight division, it could benefit Cannonier to fight down in the rankings to remain active and grow his star power.
As for Chimaev, fighting Cannonier is a chance to silence all the doubters following his lackluster majority-decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Despite being a global superstar, Chimaev has not been active enough in his late career, fighting once in 2023 and twice in 2022. If "Borz" wants to become a champion, there's no easier path than emphatically finishing a top-5 contender to stake your claim to a title shot.
Sean Strickland vs. Kamaru Usman 2
Although many fans believe Sean Strickland won his bout vs. du Plessis at UFC 297, and many more fans think the two should have a rematch, the likelihood is Strickland's next fight will not be for a belt. And with Middleweight so convoluted, Strickland's next fight could come against familiar foe Kamaru Usman. "The Nigerian Nightmare" did the UFC a massive favor when he stepped up on 10 days' notice against undefeated prospect Khamzat Chimaev, and if that wasn't impressive enough, it was also up a weight class. And although he didn't get the victory that night, the UFC may wish to reward him for his efforts.
Usman is unranked at Middleweight but holds the #1 ranking at Welterweight. Strickland equally holds the #1 spot at Middleweight, and with both men constantly trying to be active, it could make sense for them to run it back next.
Nassourdine Imavov vs. Jack Hermansson
Following his unanimous victory over Joe Pyfer, Jack Hermansson called out Nassourdine Imavov, and that's a perfect fight to book next. Imavov just beat Roman Dolidze and holds the #8 ranking, and Hermansson's victory over Pyfer kept him in the #11 spot. This could be another Apex main event or be headlined in either fighter's hometown to bring some fans back into the arena. Either way, the matchup winner could shoot themselves into the top-5 next if they could secure an impressive victory.
Joe Pyfer vs. Abus Magomedov
Despite losing his first UFC main event, Pyfer would've gained a wealth of experience in defeat. Although he doesn't deserve a ranked opponent next, Pyfer should still look to fight some of the best names outside the Middleweight top-15. That's where Abus Magomedov comes in, because ddespite holding a 1-2 record in the promotion, Magomedov's last two losses have been to two ranked opponents, Sean Strickland and Caio Borralho.
Pyfer is a dangerous striker who has shown he does fade as the fight goes on, and Magomedov displayed the same issue against Strickland in his first UFC main event. This fight would be a gut-check for both men, as the emerging winner would prove their ability to dig deep and beat a dangerous opponent, which could skyrocket them straight back into a ranked fight after.
As a member of the Verdict Community, let us know who you would book next in the Middleweight division in the comments section below.
