The UFC Middleweight Division is in Chaos – And It’s Anyone’s Guess Who’s Next for the Title
The middleweight landscape in the UFC is a tangled web right now, and Dricus du Plessis is just as confused as the rest of us. After Khamzat Chimaev dethroned him at UFC 319, the division has been thrown into disarray, leaving everyone scratching their heads about who deserves the next shot at the title. But here's where it gets controversial: while Nassourdine Imavov seems to be the frontrunner, du Plessis isn’t convinced the Frenchman has done enough to truly earn it.
Imavov recently edged out Caio Borralho in a less-than-thrilling decision win, extending his win streak to five. On paper, that looks impressive, but du Plessis isn’t sold. “Imavov is getting the title shot,” du Plessis told Fight Forecast. “It’s the only thing that makes sense right now, but it’s going to be an interesting fight. I think Khamzat wins that fight for sure.”
And this is the part most people miss: the middleweight division is lacking consistency. Fighters like Borralho, who du Plessis had pegged as a favorite, have shown flashes of brilliance but fail to deliver when it matters most. “You have guys that fight two great fights, one terrible one,” du Plessis explained. “The consistency isn’t there, but there are so many good fighters. It’s just the consistency.”
Take Reinier de Ridder, for example. Once a strong contender, he suffered an upset loss to Brendan Allen after Anthony Hernandez was forced to withdraw due to injury. Du Plessis noted, “You could see in that fight he didn’t look on par at all. Maybe he fought too much, cut too much weight too often. It gets hard for a big guy like him.”
Speaking of Hernandez, he’s another wildcard in this mix. With eight consecutive wins, he was poised to leapfrog Imavov if he’d beaten de Ridder. Now, he’ll have to prove himself against former champion Sean Strickland at UFC Houston in February. But here’s the kicker: if Hernandez wins, does he deserve the title shot over Imavov? It’s a question that divides fans and fighters alike.
Bold Prediction: Chimaev vs. Imavov will happen, but don’t be surprised if Hernandez crashes the party. And this raises a thought-provoking question: in a division where consistency is rare, should the UFC prioritize win streaks or overall skill? Let’s debate this in the comments – who do you think deserves the next title shot, and why?
Beyond the Octagon:
- Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul: Joshua’s recent comments about ‘killing’ Paul in the ring have sparked a war of words with Tyson Fury. Is this trash talk or a genuine threat?
- PFL Fallout: Movlid Khaybulaev’s suspension after a positive drug test has shaken the PFL. What does this mean for the organization’s credibility?
- Grappling Glory: Arman Tsarukyan’s last-minute submission win for the ACBJJ belt showcases the rising star’s versatility. Could he be the next big thing in MMA?
Final Thoughts:
Du Plessis’s situation highlights the unpredictability of the middleweight division. With so many talented fighters and no clear frontrunner, it’s anyone’s game. As one fan put it, “Honestly, I don’t know why DDP has been out for so long. Get back in there ASAP. It’s not like he took a ton of damage against Chimaev.”
Your Turn: Who do you think should challenge Chimaev next? Share your thoughts below, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook for more MMA updates!
