Dricus du Plessis became the new middleweight champion at UFC 297. The South African defeated Sean Strickland by a split decision in Toronto, and threw another twist into the UFC middleweight division. Many great fighters at 185 deserve a shot at the belt, and it now means Du Plessis has plenty of options.
Dricus Du Plessis Vs Israel Adesanya 2
Many fighters have been talking about Israel Adesanya. This is after the former champion announced he is taking a break from the Octagon. If ‘Stylebender’ were to make a return, he would likely get a crack at the title. Furthermore, Adesanya and du Plessis have a history. After that interaction post-fight, when du Plessis beat Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, Du Plessis was the first choice to face Adesanya at UFC 293 down under. Yet, he couldn’t make the date, and Strickland grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Looking at how the fight could play out; it is an intriguing clash of styles. Adesanya seems to have the advantage on the feet, but du Plessis will have it in the grappling department. It would be a fantastic matchup and could headline a pay-per-view, maybe in Africa?
Du Plessis Vs Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev has been a wrecking ball ever since joining the UFC. He is coming off a win against Kamaru Usman. It was an entertaining clash where the rising star got his hand raised. Even though Chimaev hasn’t had many fights at 185, he had an impressive run at welterweight. The 29-year-old has beaten the likes of Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Usman. There has been much talk about a possible clash with Adesanya. It looks to be a match to determine the top contender. Yet, due to his meteoric rise, it is clear to see why UFC would like to give Chimaev a title shot. It is hard to see anybody beating Chimaev, but it’s safe to say du Plessis won’t be afraid to fight him.
Du Plessis Vs Sean Strickland 2
The fight at UFC 297 was an instant classic; Strickland and du Plessis gave it their all on Saturday night. Strickland’s following has grown since he has had more of a platform. It means that there is a financial benefit to running it back. We know Strickland and du Plessis can put on a good show. There were many differing opinions on who won the fight. Dana White scored the contest for the American. It would be interesting to see what changes both fighters would make going into a rematch.
As stated before, there are many good fights to make at 185. Yet, these three fighters would make the most sense in terms of a title shot.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
