The recent UFC 312 event showcased the displays of two elite fighters, Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis, who fundamentally illustrated the gap between champions and their challengers. Both fighters delivered dominant performances, opening up intriguing possibilities for future matchups. With Zhang’s impressive unanimous decision victory over Tatiana Suarez and Du Plessis turning back the challenge of Sean Strickland, it begs the question: what’s next for these champions and their potential challengers?
Zhang Weili’s victory was nothing short of masterful. She landed an astounding 232 strikes, while Suarez could only muster a mere 63, highlighting the significant skill gap. In the mixed martial arts (MMA) world, such a one-sided performance makes a statement not only for Zhang but also raises questions about Suarez’s readiness for championship level competition. It’s an illustration of how swiftly fortunes can change in a sport governed by performance in the cage.
Similarly, Du Plessis showcased his evolution as a champion by successfully defending his middleweight title against Sean Strickland. With Du Plessis defeating a former champion, and now boasting victories over the elite in multiple consecutive fights, he has firmly established himself as a formidable presence in the middleweight division. This raises critical speculation regarding their next bouts, which must not only preserve the status of these champions but also push the narratives forward.
The obvious matchup on everyone’s mind following UFC 312 is Dricus Du Plessis against Khamzat Chimaev. For a prolonged period, wrestling enthusiasts and fight fans alike have envisioned Chimaev stepping into the title picture. The UFC has been shielded by the anticipation of what a fight between Chimaev and Du Plessis could evoke given both fighters’ meteoric rises. Boasting an undefeated record and two successful title defenses, Du Plessis brings a wealth of momentum into discussions. Their potential clash has all the makings of a blockbuster event, especially if it can be scheduled around International Fight Week.
However, should there be any obstructions regarding Chimaev’s participation, Nassourdine Imavov stands as a worthy alternative. Imavov possesses the credentials to warrant a title shot, and his unique fighting style could bring fresh dynamics to a potential bout with Du Plessis. Yet, the weight of expectation rests predominantly on the potential clash with Chimaev; anything less seems to lack the same luster in the eyes of fans and spectators alike.
Shifting the focus to Zhang Weili’s division, one fighter whose name persists is Israel Adesanya. Emerging from the recent fight, Adesanya’s legacy is now a double-edged sword—while he is undoubtedly one of the sport’s greats, the sentiment that he’s lost a step is hard to shake. The suggestion for a rematch with Du Plessis holds merit, as it could serve not just as a bid for revenge but also as a chance to reignite Adesanya’s competitive spark.
This potential matchup goes beyond just titles; it encapsulates personal vendettas and the quest for redemption that can often drive fighters to perform at their apex. A fight devoid of championship implications might seem trivial, but for Adesanya, it’s a chance to remind the world of his capabilities.
On the other side of the equation, Valentina Shevchenko’s potential ascension to challenge Zhang Weili brings an additional layer to the matchmaking canvas. The absence of Shevchenko during the pre-UFC 312 fight earlier painted an uncertain picture, albeit the UFC’s willingness to facilitate a champion-vs-champion bout speaks volumes about the direction they wish to take. Should Shevchenko’s timeline align with Zhang’s readiness, the matchup could lead to a historical moment within the sport.
In the event that the champion-versus-champion narrative falters due to scheduling conflicts, Virna Jandiroba emerges as the next probable contender. With a solid record standing at 21-3, Jandiroba is on the brink of ascension if she can secure a win in her next fight against Yan Xiaonan. If so, the anticipated collision against Zhang could become a reality.
For Tatiana Suarez, while her title aspirations may have been temporarily stunted by her comprehensive defeat, the journey isn’t over. A strategic matchup with Mackenzie Dern seems like a natural progression, pairing two grappling specialists who have yet to face each other. Both women possess distinctive skills and the fight could help revitalize the momentum that Suarez had built prior to her title challenge.
Furthermore, the victor of the Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo clash at UFC 313 adds another layer of intrigue. As both fighters are formidable in their own right, the winner presents another possible stepping stone for Suarez should she bounce back and aim for a solid ranking position.
UFC 312 opened up a multitude of scenarios, with exciting possibilities for champions and contenders alike. As we anticipate the fallout from this thrilling card, the MMA landscape grows ever more dynamic, ensuring that fans have a wealth of intrigue to look forward to in the coming months.