Following his UFC 297 victory and the acquisition of the middleweight title, Dricus Du Plessis is already generating speculation about his next opponent. With a limited history in the current middleweight Top 15, there are several intriguing matchups awaiting the South African champion. While the final decision rests with the UFC matchmakers, here are four compelling options:
1. Israel Adesanya:
A potential clash with former champion Israel Adesanya stands out as one of the most significant fights for Dricus Du Plessis. This matchup would likely be a blockbuster event, with both fighters engaged in intense verbal exchanges and social media banter. Originally expected to face Du Plessis, Adesanya lost to Sean Strickland, setting the stage for a captivating showdown between the two African-born fighters. With both fighters currently dealing with recovery and comeback plans, this matchup could headline UFC’s International Fight Week or even mark the promotion’s debut in Africa.
2. Sean Strickland:
Considering the close nature of their UFC 297 battle, a rematch with Sean Strickland holds merit. While immediate rematches are typically reserved for champions with multiple title defenses, the tight contest between Du Plessis and Strickland makes a case for a second bout. Strickland’s post-fight request to “run it back” adds to the potential narrative, and his growing popularity in the division could make it a sound business move for the UFC.
3. Jared Cannonier:
Despite not receiving much post-UFC 297 attention, Jared Cannonier is a notable contender in the middleweight division. Having previously fought for the title against Adesanya, Cannonier rebounded with a split-decision win over Strickland and a dominant victory against Marvin Vettori. While not as high-profile as Adesanya or Strickland, Cannonier’s recent wins position him as a credible challenger. Depending on his recovery timeline and the availability of other contenders, he could find himself in a title fight in the coming months.
4. Khamzat Chimaev:
Khamzat Chimaev, though arguably not deserving of a middleweight title shot based on rankings, emerges as a wildcard option. Despite his limited experience in the division, Chimaev’s undefeated record and fearsome reputation make him an intriguing opponent. Recovering from illness, Chimaev’s callout for a UFC 300 fight with Du Plessis adds an element of unpredictability. While Du Plessis may not view him as a deserving contender, the potential financial appeal could influence the decision.
The UFC’s choice for Dricus Du Plessis next opponent remains uncertain, but these potential matchups offer diverse storylines and compelling narratives for the middleweight division.
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