Khamzat Chimaev clinched the title in the UFC middleweight division by defeating three-time defending champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 on September 9, 2023, in Chicago. The victory marked a significant milestone for Chimaev, who has remained undefeated throughout his career. After a rapid ascent that began with three wins in 2020, Chimaev has faced numerous challenges in securing his title shot, including limited fight opportunities over the past three years.
The question now arises: will Chimaev defend his championship belt at middleweight, or will he pursue a second title in another weight class? Having expressed a desire to compete across divisions, Chimaev could follow the recent trend set by other champions. Meanwhile, Du Plessis, although decisively defeated, remains a key contender in the division, and his next matchup could determine his path back to title contention.
Potential Matchups for Chimaev and Du Plessis
Chimaev’s next steps could take several directions. One possibility is a bout against the winner of the upcoming fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, who are slated to compete for the welterweight title. Chimaev’s potential move to 170 pounds could happen sooner rather than later, given the challenges of cutting weight as he ages.
Chimaev stated, “I want to move around weight classes,” indicating his ambition to engage with more elite fighters within different divisions. His recent performance has proven his capability, making a weight class change an intriguing option.
On the other hand, Du Plessis could face the loser of the September 9 fight between Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, both of whom are also in their prime and ranked within the top ten middleweights. This matchup would not only align with the rankings but also keep the competitive spirit alive within the division.
Highlight Performances and Future Prospects
In the co-main event, Lerone Murphy showcased his skills with a spectacular knockout of UFC newcomer Aaron Pico. Following this impressive performance, Murphy’s name has emerged in conversations about potential title shots later this year. If he continues on this trajectory, he may soon find himself vying for the championship against established fighters like Alexander Volkanovski.
Murphy’s win against Pico, achieved through a stunning spinning back elbow, has put him back on the map after years of being overlooked in the featherweight division. He has proven to be well-rounded and resilient, characteristics that could serve him well against Volkanovski.
Another intriguing matchup could involve Yair Rodriguez. While Murphy is seen as a strong contender, Rodriguez remains a possible alternative opponent for Volkanovski, should Murphy’s ascent prove too rapid for a title challenge.
As for the welterweight scene, a potential clash between knockout artists Prates and Page could electrify fans. Both fighters have demonstrated their striking prowess, with Page recently moving back to welterweight. Their anticipated bout could add excitement to the division, particularly with Page eyeing a future fight against former champion Leon Edwards.
The landscape of the UFC is ever-evolving, and the outcomes of these potential matchups will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the middleweight and welterweight divisions in the months to come. For fighters like Chimaev and Du Plessis, the stakes are high, and every decision made will have a significant impact on their respective careers. As the UFC continues to develop, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this dynamic sport.
