3 possible next opponents for Dricus du Plessis after UFC 305 win

As a seasoned MMA enthusiast who’s been following the sport for over two decades, I must say that the UFC 305 event was nothing short of exhilarating! Dricus du Plessis‘ victory over Israel Adesanya has left me utterly astounded and eagerly anticipating what’s next for our new champion.

UFC 305 was an unforgettable spectacle, taking place on August 17th. Dricus du Plessis stunned the combat sports world once more by submitting Israel Adesanya, marking the first time anyone has done so against him. This win silenced critics who claimed Adesanya, a rising contender, was an invincible, formidable fighter. Du Plessis displayed exceptional skill, outwrestling Adesanya effectively and emerging victorious in many striking exchanges. As the brand-new UFC champion, du Plessis now has several promising opportunities for his next title defense.

1. Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho winner

5th ranked Jared Cannonier, a seasoned veteran of over a decade in the sport, will square off against up-and-coming talent Caio Borralho, ranked 12th, in the main event of an APEX fight night on August 24. With the current champion yet to be decided, both fighters have an excellent chance to deliver an outstanding performance and potentially move ahead of other top contenders. This bout pits a seasoned pro against a promising prospect, and a title shot would be a significant milestone for either. Cannonier, at 40 years old, is nearing the end of his career, but Borralho, at 31, with a 15-fight win streak, is a rising star to watch.

As a fan, I’ve watched and admired the versatile journey of Cannonier in the UFC octagon. Originally a heavyweight contender, he shifted to light heavyweight before finding his current division, middleweight. What sets him apart is that he’s one of the rare fighters who has scored knockouts across three distinct weight classes.

As a hardcore gamer, if I were to predict the MMA scene, I’d say that the victor of this upcoming fight could potentially offer an exciting, stylish matchup against du Plessis, especially towards the end of the year – providing Conor McGregor versus Michael Chandler doesn’t materialize. Given du Plessis managed to dodge heavy damage against Adesanya, the winner here would need similar defensive skills, as a December showdown seems most probable. However, this scenario appears least likely, given the UFC appears focused on other contenders vying for the title. But remember, MMA is not just unpredictable in the ring – it’s equally so in business decisions. Dana White initially seemed reluctant to grant du Plessis a title shot after he turned down the opportunity at UFC 293. However, due to an immediate need for a main event, he ended up fighting for the title at UFC 297 instead.

2. Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev winner

As a long-time fan of mixed martial arts and the UFC in particular, I am excited about the highly anticipated co-main event at UFC 308 between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. Having followed both fighters’ careers closely, I have been eagerly waiting for this title eliminator matchup since it was originally scheduled for a main event in Saudi Arabia on June 22 but had to be rescheduled due to Chimaev falling ill.

Previously crowned as the middleweight champion, Whittaker gained recognition for his epic battles with Yoel Romero. He is a skilled striker who boasts victories against numerous opponents in the middleweight division, except for Israel Adesanya and Jared du Plessis. Among his notable wins are Derek Brunson, Kelvin Gastelum, Marvin Vettori, and Darren Till. Chimaev, on the other hand, is a potent and risky wrestler with strong knockout abilities but questionable stamina. Besides his unbeaten record, he possesses an intimidating personality that unsettles many opponents. Noteworthy victories for Chimaev include Li Jingliang, Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, and Kamaru Usman.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but speculate about the potential outcomes of this upcoming fight. If Du Plessis is considering a break and seeking a worthy adversary, the victor of this bout could be an intriguing choice for him. Should Robert Whittaker successfully dampen the buzz surrounding Khamzat Chimaev, it would pave the way for an enthralling rematch between these two talented fighters, where they can both deliver exceptional performances. However, if Chimaev emerges victorious, we’d be treated to a thrilling encounter featuring two undefeated fighters at the peak of their careers. The exact timing of Du Plessis’ return remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the winner of this title eliminator would set the stage for a title fight that fans won’t want to miss!

1. Sean Strickland rematch

It appears that White’s statement suggests a high possibility of Du Plessis facing Sean Strickland for the next title shot due to Du Plessis’ openness to fight anyone and their history of close fights (such as their bout at UFC 297, which was one of the year’s best). Many spectators believe Strickland emerged victorious in that match, which is why he has consistently requested a rematch. Following his victory over Costa at UFC 302, Strickland declared his pursuit of the title and stated he would wait for an opportunity to arise. The build-up to their previous encounter was entertaining due to their mutual trash talk exchanges.

Strickland is a formidable striker who excels under pressure, boasting solid boxing skills and top-notch striking defense. He’s elusive when moving forward, seldom fatiguing and effectively deflecting calf kicks. Known for his verbal sparring and contentious political opinions, Strickland has triumphed over fighters like Adesanya, Imavov, Allen, and Hall. Besides a tight contest with du Plessis, his unwavering commitment to the company, often taking fights on short notice, could earn him another title challenge. His reputation for relentless training 24/7 likely contributes to his exceptional physical condition.

As a diehard fan, I can’t help but express my excitement if the anticipated McGregor vs. Chandler match doesn’t come together for December. If the UFC is serious about Strickland getting his title shot and December isn’t an option, they could always schedule it for early 2025 instead. This fight would be a fantastic conclusion to their rivalry, shedding light on who truly reigns as the superior fighter.

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2024-08-19 22:14