Discover who could be the potential opponents for Dricus du Plessis in his first title defense as the new middleweight champion. Will it be Israel Adesanya, Khamzat Chimaev, or a rematch with Sean Strickland?
| Potential Opponent | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| Israel Adesanya | High |
| Khamzat Chimaev | Medium |
| Sean Strickland | Low |
Dricus du Plessis: The New Middleweight Champion
On a thrilling Saturday night, Dricus du Plessis emerged as the victor in a grueling battle against Sean Strickland at UFC 297. The fight went the distance, showcasing five rounds of non-stop action that left fans on the edge of their seats. Now, as the newly crowned middleweight champion, Du Plessis is already contemplating his first title defense, which is expected to take place later this year.
Potential Opponents for Du Plessis
While Du Plessis prepares for his next challenge, let’s explore three formidable opponents who could be at the top of his list:
- Israel Adesanya
The current status of Israel Adesanya’s fighting career remains uncertain. After announcing a break from the octagon, the duration of his hiatus remains unclear. However, a matchup between Du Plessis and Adesanya is the fight that both the new champion and fans desire. It remains to be seen if Dana White, the UFC president, will allow Du Plessis to call the shots, considering that he turned down a fight offer against Adesanya last year.
- Khamzat Chimaev
Although Khamzat Chimaev may not be the next contender according to rankings, his call-out on Twitter after Du Plessis’ victory has generated significant buzz. Chimaev’s eagerness to face the new champ has captivated fans and raised speculation about a potential quick turnaround title defense for Du Plessis. Dana White has hinted at announcing Du Plessis’ next fight in the coming week, fueling rumors of a potential matchup at UFC 300.
- Sean Strickland
A rematch with Sean Strickland could be an intriguing option, particularly considering the pre-fight build-up and verbal exchanges between the two fighters. Dana White even expressed his belief that Strickland won the fight, providing further incentive for a rematch to materialize.
