Dricus du Plessis: A Modern Middleweight Marvel
Dricus du Plessis and Zhang Weili were both at the top of their respective divisions after the successful UFC 312 in Sydney. Du Plessis, a formidable presence in the middleweight category, retained his title with a dominant decision win over Sean Strickland, effectively silencing his critics and proving his mettle once again. Du Plessis’s journey in the UFC has been nothing short of impressive: a perfect 9-0 record, 6 finishes, and multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses. His victories over top contenders like Strickland, Kelvin Gastelum, and Marvin Vettori have solidified his status as one of the elite fighters in the game. If du Plessis were to retire tomorrow, he would comfortably rank as the fourth-greatest middleweight champion in UFC history, just behind Anderson Silva, Israel Adesanya, and Chris Weidman. However, the path to catching Adesanya and Weidman is still within reach, and it’s a journey that du Plessis is determined to undertake. His unique combination of size, athleticism, and mental fortitude makes him a formidable opponent, and his recent performance against Strickland only adds to the anticipation for his future fights.
The Ultimate Test: DDP vs. Khamzat Chimaev
One of the most anticipated matchups in the middleweight division is the potential clash between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, known for his relentless and dominant style, has been a force to reckon with, but du Plessis’s win over Strickland has set the stage for a high-stakes encounter. Despite Chimaev’s impressive record and reputation as a grappling savant, there are reasons to believe that du Plessis could give him a run for his money. Chimaev’s ability to overpower opponents has been a significant factor in his success, but du Plessis’s size and physical strength could neutralize this advantage. Moreover, du Plessis has shown exceptional cardio, often pushing himself to maintain a high level of performance even when visibly fatigued. This fight is expected to be a true test of mettle, and while Chimaev is a formidable opponent, du Plessis’s well-rounded skills and tough-as-nails mentality make him a strong contender to win. However, the unpredictable nature of combat sports means that nothing can be taken for granted, and 2025 has already seen some unexpected outcomes with the losses of Umar Nurmagomedov and Tatiana Suarez. The du Plessis-Chimaev bout promises to be an exhilarating contest, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how it unfolds.
Nassourdine Imavov: The Next Contender?
Fans and analysts alike are wondering if Nassourdine Imavov deserves the next shot at the middleweight title. While Imavov has had a stellar run of his own, the UFC is not always a strictly merit-based organization. Chimaev’s star power and the excitement surrounding his potential belt claim are undeniable, and he is the clear favorite to face du Plessis next. However, if Imavov and his camp are savvy, they should campaign hard to be the backup fighter in case anything goes wrong with the Chimaev fight. Imavov’s consistency and skill make him a legitimate threat, and while he may not have the same hype as Chimaev, he has certainly earned his place in the queue. The UFC’s decision-making can be unpredictable, but Imavov’s credentials and performance deserve serious consideration.
Zhang Weili: Reigning at Her Peak
Zhang Weili’s latest victory over Tatiana Suarez has reignited debates about her place in the pantheon of great UFC fighters. Weili’s wins against Joanna Jedrzejczyk were landmarks in her career, but they were bookended by losses to Rose Namajunas. Since then, she has fought once a year and each time has looked better, culminating in her dominant performance against Suarez. At 35 years old, Weili is aware that the clock is ticking, but her recent display suggests that she is far from declining. The strawweight division, while not as active as some others, lacks a clear contender who can challenge Weili’s dominance. If she continues to fight at 115 pounds, she could extend her reign for a few more years, further cementing her legacy. However, the allure of a move up to 125 pounds and the possibility of claiming a second belt is a tempting proposition. It remains to be seen whether Weili will stay at strawweight or pursue a new challenge, but her current form is undeniably at its peak.
Valentina Shevchenko: A Potential Strawweight Threat
Valentina Shevchenko, the former flyweight champion, has been a dominant force in her weight class, and some fans are speculating whether she could challenge Zhang Weili at strawweight. Despite Weili’s brute strength and recent successes, Shevchenko’s physicality and skill set make her a formidable opponent. Shevchenko has demonstrated her prowess even at 135 pounds, and her size advantage at 115 could be significant. However, it’s worth noting that Shevchenko, while still a top-tier fighter, has shown signs of decline in physicality, speed, and athleticism. She reclaimed the flyweight title from Alexa Grasso, but her performance was not as dominant as her earlier victories. While the skill gap between the two is not immense, Weili’s recent form and the resilience she has shown suggest that she could still give Shevchenko a tough fight. The matchup would undoubtedly be an exciting one, and the outcome remains a matter of speculation.
UFC 312: A Mixed Bag of Fights
UFC 312 in Sydney was a mixed bag of fights, with the main and co-main events stealing the show. The co-main event saw Zhang Weili dominate Tatiana Suarez, a performance that further solidified her place as one of the best pound-for-pound female fighters in the world. The main event, featuring Dricus du Plessis against Sean Strickland, was a thrilling and decisive victory for du Plessis, who outshined his opponent in every aspect. However, the undercard left much to be desired, with many fights being either uninspired or lacking in significance. The Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato draw, while surprisingly entertaining, was overshadowed by the lackluster start to the pay-per-view. The first three fights were notably lackluster, leading to questions about the UFC’s card-building strategy. Despite these criticisms, the event was a testament to the enduring appeal of top-tier championship bouts, and fans are already looking forward to the next big fights on the horizon.
