As UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis prepares for his next title defense, the division's top contenders are eagerly vying for a shot at the belt. With du Plessis having recently defended his title against Israel Adesanya, the middleweight landscape is buzzing with exciting possibilities.

1. Sean Strickland

• Current Status: Former UFC Middleweight Champion; #1 in the UFC middleweight rankings, and #13 in the UFC men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
• Record: 29 wins, 6 losses. Recent losses include a split decision loss to du Plessis in January 2024 and a split decision loss to Jared Cannonier in December 2022.
• Recent Wins: Victory over Israel Adesanya (decision) in September 2023 and a win over Paulo Costa (decision) in June 2024.
• Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Despite losing to du Plessis in their previous bout, Strickland remains a top contender and a major draw. A rematch could resolve any lingering questions about the first fight and provide a compelling storyline given their history. Strickland’s aggressive style and striking prowess make him a challenging and interesting opponent for du Plessis.

2. Winner of Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (UFC 308)

Robert Whittaker

• Current Status: Former UFC Middleweight Champion; #3 in the UFC middleweight rankings as of September 2023.
• Record: 26 wins, 7 losses. Recently defeated Ikram Aliskerov and Paulo Costa, but lost to du Plessis in July 2023.
• Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Whittaker is a former champion and a significant figure in the middleweight division. A fight against him would offer du Plessis a high-profile matchup against a well-respected veteran. Their prior bout could also set up a compelling narrative for a rematch if Whittaker wins his next fight.

Khamzat Chimaev

• Current Status: Undefeated in MMA; #11 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
• Record: 13 wins, 0 losses. Recently defeated Kamaru Usman and Kevin Holland.
• Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Chimaev’s undefeated record and dominant performances make him an intriguing opponent. His rapid rise and impressive grappling credentials contrast well with du Plessis’s style. A fight between them would attract significant attention and test du Plessis against one of the most promising up-and-comers in the sport.

3. Winner of UFC Vegas 96 Main Event: Jared Cannonier vs. Caio Borralho

Jared Cannonier

• Current Status: #5 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
• Record: 17 wins, 7 losses. Recent wins include a decision over Marvin Vettori and a knockout win over Derek Brunson.
• Why This Matchup Makes Sense: Cannonier has been a top contender and his power striking makes him a dangerous opponent. A fight with du Plessis could be a high-stakes bout given Cannonier’s experience and notable wins.

Caio Borralho

• Current Status: #12 in the UFC middleweight rankings.
• Record: 14 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw. Recent performances have been impressive but less experienced against top-tier opponents compared to du Plessis.
• Why This Matchup Makes Sense: If Borralho wins against Cannonier, it would signify his readiness for a title shot. Facing a relatively untested but highly ranked challenger could offer du Plessis a chance to solidify his position as champion against a fresh face in the division.