UFC 312 delivered thrilling performances by Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis, showcasing their prowess and setting the stage for future matchups in mixed martial arts (MMA). As Weili successfully defended her strawweight title against Tatiana Suarez and Du Plessis retained the middleweight championship against Sean Strickland, the night raised questions about the next logical steps for these fighters in their respective divisions. This article will delve into the plausible future matchups for both champions and others on the card, providing insights into what comes next in the ever-evolving world of UFC.
Zhang Weili’s victory over Tatiana Suarez was nothing short of monumental. By landing 232 total strikes compared to Suarez’s mere 63, Zhang not only retained her title but also firmly established herself as one of the most formidable forces in the strawweight division. Her performance has opened opportunities for potentially high-stakes matchups that could serve to elevate her notoriety further within the sport.
In terms of future competition, a clash with Valentina Shevchenko stands out as a thrilling proposition. Shevchenko, an iconic figure who has defined female MMA for years, could provide Zhang with the challenge she needs to further cement her legacy. Scheduling and timing are crucial in pulling off such bouts, but if the UFC can align the stars, it would likely be a blockbuster event.
As an alternative, Virna Jandiroba’s impressive 21-3 record makes her a prime candidate for a title shot if Shevchenko is unavailable. She is slated for a fight against Yan Xiaonan in the near future, and depending on the outcome, she could quickly find herself in contention for Zhang’s championship.
On the other hand, Dricus Du Plessis illustrated his capabilities as he bested Sean Strickland for the second time. With his current record showcasing victories over former champions, Du Plessis has solidified his standing in the middleweight division, making the intrigue around his next bout palpable.
The obvious choice as a challenger is Khamzat Chimaev. Although their match has been long-anticipated, Du Plessis’s rising profile makes this encounter even more appealing. Chimaev’s previous near-title contention and his dynamic fighting style juxtaposed against Du Plessis’s recent form could culminate in a thrilling championship ambiance, perhaps headlining an event like International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
Should Chimaev become unavailable, a matchup with Nassourdine Imavov also merits consideration. While it may not create the same level of excitement, Imavov has proven himself to be a credible opponent worth watching.
One storyline that came up during Du Plessis’s post-fight comments involves a potential rematch with Israel Adesanya. As a fighter who has once dominated the middleweight landscape, Adesanya’s return to the octagon could reignite a rivalry. Although many may debate whether Adesanya still has the same spark, there’s no denying that the intrigue of revenge when facing Du Plessis could create significant fan interest.
Focusing on contenders beyond the immediate title picture, Adesanya and Du Plessis competing could serve as a solidifying point while bringing closure to their rivalry. The matchup could also validate both fighters’ standings in the middleweight hierarchy, which is increasingly competitive.
As a wildcard, the potential inclusion of Bo Nickal offers an intriguing dynamic. While still in a developmental phase, Nickal’s ascent within the ranks presents a risk-reward scenario for the UFC and both fighters involved.
In the strawweight division, the focus on Shauna Suarez’s potential future isn’t exhaustive. After her defeat at UFC 312, a matchup against Mackenzie Dern could be insightful. Both fighters possess exceptional ground skills, with Suarez’s wrestling pitted against Dern’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu acumen, making it both a competitive and stylistically interesting contest.
UFC 312 not only showcased the impressive skills of its fighters but also set the wheel in motion for future matchups that could significantly impact the paths of those involved. With a robust lineup of contenders and champions eager to prove themselves, UFC events in the coming months are destined to capture the attention of MMA fans worldwide. As divisions shift and fighters emerge, every bout becomes an opportunity for retribution, glory, and the ever-challenging quest for dominance in mixed martial arts.
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