The Combat sports landscape underwent a significant shift at UFC 312, where Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis showcased their exceptional skills, convincingly dominating their respective opponents. In the co-main event, Zhang delivered a masterclass against Tatiana Suarez, landing a staggering 232 strikes compared to Suarez’s mere 63, thereby retaining her strawweight title. The main event mirrored this dominance, with Du Plessis defeating Sean Strickland in their championship rematch, further solidifying his reign in the middleweight division. Given their performances, it’s essential to explore the potential matchups that could arise for these two champions following their successes.
One of the standout narratives following UFC 312 is the potential clash between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. The MMA community has long awaited a title fight for Chimaev, and with Du Plessis holding the middleweight championship and on an impressive streak of victories against former champions, the stakes could not be higher. This fight represents not only a clash of elite talents but also a significant moment for the division. The anticipation for this matchup has been mounting for years, and if Chimaev is available, the UFC should prioritize this bout as a headliner for an upcoming major event.
However, if Chimaev is unavailable—a scenario that has been a recurring theme—another deserving contender in the form of Nassourdine Imavov emerges. While Imavov may not carry the same allure, his track record speaks volumes. If the highly coveted Chimaev matchup fails to materialize, Imavov would undoubtedly make a compelling challenge for Du Plessis. Nevertheless, the urgency and excitement for a Chimaev fight greatly overshadow this alternative.
Looking further into the matchmaking possibilities, Israel Adesanya’s name surfaces with more consideration than one might initially suspect. Following Du Plessis’s win, the idea of a rematch with Adesanya has gained traction. Admittedly, Adesanya has shown signs of decline, as indicated by his recent performances, but the significance of a potential clash between these two middleweights remains potent. Adesanya’s storied career has included iconic wins and heart-wrenching losses. A matchup against Du Plessis could serve as an opportunity for him to reclaim lost glory while potentially handing Du Plessis a marquee victory against a name still revered within UFC circles.
This bout is not merely about titles but also about the progression of their careers. Both athletes find themselves at a crossroads—ranked highly yet possibly distanced from title contention. Engaging in this rematch could present a narrative of revenge juxtaposed against ascendancy, making it a compelling storyline.
On the women’s side, Zhang Weili has set the stage for a possible high-profile bout with Valentina Shevchenko. Prior discussions around this matchup hint at mutual interest from both the fighters and the promotion. Should Shevchenko regain her form and availability, this championship clash could generate massive buzz in the MMA world, showcasing two champions at the pinnacle of their respective divisions.
If the timeline for Shevchenko doesn’t align, Virna Jandiroba stands as a viable alternative for Zhang. With an impressive record of her own, Jandiroba is viewed as the logical next contender if she secures a win over Yan Xiaonan. This fight carries the potential to further elevate Jandiroba’s status and create a fresh challenge for Zhang.
Despite the disappointment in her title challenge against Zhang, Tatiana Suarez remains a prominent figure within the strawweight division. Her career is by no means over; rather, it’s a pivotal moment. A matchup against Mackenzie Dern—a fellow grappling specialist—could offer both fighters a chance to demonstrate their skills and climb the ranks. As both often leverage their ground games, this matchup stands out as intriguing while providing an opportunity for Suarez to bounce back and regain momentum.
Additionally, one cannot ignore the outcome of the fight between Amanda Lemos and the rising star Iasmin Lucindo. The victor of this matchup could serve as a straightforward challenge for Suarez or potentially set the path for their own title run, encapsulating the ever-evolving dynamics in the strawweight division.
Ultimately, UFC 312 did not just showcase dominant performances; it also painted a roadmap for the future of multiple divisions. With anticipated matchups on the horizon for both Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis, fans have much to look forward to. Whether it’s iconic battles against stalwarts like Chimaev and Adesanya or the next chapter for rising contenders like Jandiroba and Dern, the future of these athletes is brimming with potential and excitement. The matchmaking following UFC 312 will undoubtedly leave fans eagerly awaiting what lies ahead for these champions and contenders alike.
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