Following a controversial victory over Sean Strickland, new UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has several contenders angling for a title fight.
The South African fighter squeaked out a split decision victory at UFC 297, the closest contest of his UFC career. However, some analysts, such as commentator Joe Rogan, were surprised when the judges revealed their scorecards.
Strickland’s own coach praised how du Plessis handled himself throughout the build-up to the fight. But, as you might imagine, he saw the outcome differently.
Regardless of feelings, the fight is over, and it is time for both sides to move on. Or is it?
Four potential matchups for Dricus du Plessis
No. 1: Sean Strickland
It’s customary that a fighter receives a rematch after dropping a title, but it is especially true when the margin of victory is so razor-thin.
Do you agree? pic.twitter.com/JKDkZddA9v
— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) January 22, 2024
Strickland and du Plessis should run it back and put all doubt to bed. The former came within one judge’s decision away from ending the latter’s undefeated streak in the UFC.
No. 2: Israel Adesanya
These two are no strangers to one another, as Du Plessis has sent jabs at Adesanya outside the octagon for years. The current middleweight champ claims he’s a more “authentic” African. He even called out Adesanya following the win against Strickland.
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Izzy gave props to Du Plessis for pulling out the victory, even agreeing with the split decision. But Adesanya made it a point to mention that he’s still coming for the belt. Sooner or later.
No. 3: Khamzat Chimaev
No one wants a title fight more than Khamzat Chimaev. He’s been lobbying for such a matchup on the historic UFC 300 card in April. Could Du Plessis be the opponent?
Khamzat Chimaev expects UFC CEO Dana White to fulfill his title shot promise vs. Dricus Du Plessis. pic.twitter.com/ES5T7MD3NF
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 23, 2024
Chimaev has not lost in his MMA career, with recent wins over Kamaru Usman and Kevin Holland. There’s no doubt the Russian brawler deserves a chance soon. But he might have to wait.
No. 4: Winner of UFC 298 Co-Main Event
Robert Whittaker and Paulo Costa will square off in February in the co-main event at UFC 298. Whittaker, in particular, has some history with du Plessis, as the Aussie was upset at UFC 290 by the then-rising star.
For Costa, this marks his first fight since Aug. 2022, back when he defeated Luke Rockhold via unanimous decision. Dana White may want to see more from Costa before offering a title fight, but an impressive victory next month could sway the UFC CEO.
If Whittaker wins, it’s an easy sell for fans. But expect the first three names to take precedence.