UFC 312 showcased two remarkable performances from Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis, both of whom solidified their status as dominant champions in their respective divisions. Zhang’s systematic dismantling of Tatiana Suarez in the strawweight co-main event was strikingly efficient, while Du Plessis’s victory over Sean Strickland in their middleweight title rematch reinforced his championship prowess. This analysis will explore potential matchups for these two fighters as well as other contenders emerging from this high-stakes event.
Zhang Weili’s recent triumph against Suarez, where she landed 232 strikes compared to Suarez’s meager 63, serves as a testament to her striking volume and tactical superiority. This performance raises questions about Zhang’s next opponent; the lightweight division is rife with potential challengers, but one name stands out: the ever-impressive Valentina Shevchenko. Previously, there was interest in a champion versus champion bout, though scheduling conflicts hindered immediate plans. If Shevchenko can recover from her earlier commitments, a clash between two of the sport’s best could ignite fan interest and elevate both fighters’ profiles.
Should this matchup fail to materialize, the next in line would likely be Virna Jandiroba, who boasts a solid record and is currently on a trajectory upward in the rankings. Jandiroba’s scheduled bout against Yan Xiaonan will determine her viability as a title contender, particularly if she can emerge victorious. Given her impressive grappling credentials and ability to finish fights, she could present a unique challenge to Zhang if they meet in the octagon.
Dricus Du Plessis: Earning His Place
Du Plessis demonstrated incredible skill and determination as he defended his middleweight title against Sean Strickland. His victory marked a significant milestone, having defeated notable opponents consistently. The discussion shifts now to who might challenge him next. A fight with Khamzat Chimaev has been anticipated for years, and given Du Plessis’s undefeated streak in the UFC and impressive title defenses, this matchup feels overdue. Chimaev’s rise in the middleweight rankings paired with Du Plessis’s recent achievements could create an electrifying main event worthy of a summer card in Las Vegas.
If Chimaev is unavailable, however, Nassourdine Imavov could pose a compelling alternative. Imavov is on the cusp of the title picture, and while his next step is uncertain, a bout with Du Plessis could introduce him to the championship narrative. This scenario hinges greatly on both fighters’ schedules as well as their recent activity in the octagon.
Other Notable Contenders
Under the spotlight is Israel Adesanya. After a spectacular career and a series of high-profile fights, Adesanya’s potential rematch with Du Plessis emerged post-fight. Despite Adesanya’s decline in activity, his established legacy ensures he remains a marketable name. A rematch between these two fighters, albeit less critical for the title picture, could satisfy demand for high-stakes competition and further enrich both men’s legacies in the sport.
On a different note, the rise of Bo Nickal poses an interesting dilemma for the UFC. Although still in development, Nickal is becoming a name to watch. Introducing him now against someone like Strickland could be a calculated risk, one that tests his skills without overwhelming him. This bout would also serve to further hype Nickal’s potential and bring renewed energy to the middleweight division.
For the women’s division, Mackenzie Dern represents a plausible next step for Suarez following her loss to Zhang. Both fighters’ grappling pedigree guarantees an intriguing stylistic clash, and this matchup has been a point of interest for fans. Given their contrasting backgrounds—Suarez’s wrestling acumen versus Dern’s jiu-jitsu mastery—this fight could prove pivotal for both women as they seek to reclaim favorable positioning within the ranks.
Lastly, the matchup between Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo at UFC 313 could yield the winner as a dark horse for a title shot against Zhang. Lemos’s established presence combined with Lucindo’s rising star status entails that the victor could swiftly enter conversations for top-tier competition.
UFC 312 illuminated the continued evolution of champions Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis, each sitting firmly atop their divisions with a cadre of skilled challengers waiting in the wings. As the fight landscape shifts, fascinating matchups loom on the horizon. The MMA world is captivated by the tortuous journey towards championship gold, and the forthcoming events promise a series of exhilarating fights that will dictate the future of the sport. Fans and fighters alike are left to speculate on how these potential bouts will unfold, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their favorite fighters’ journeys.