The excitement of UFC 312 showcased the remarkable prowess of fighters like Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis, who delivered commanding performances that not only entertained but also set the stage for potential future matchups. Weili demonstrated her dominance in the strawweight division by decisively defeating Tatiana Suarez, while Du Plessis further solidified his status in the middleweight class with a convincing victory over Sean Strickland. These outcomes leave fans pondering the next steps for these fighters and their opponents, as well as what the future of these weight classes might look like.
In the co-main event, Zhang Weili delivered an impressive display, landing an astounding 232 total strikes against Suarez’s mere 63. This dominance underlines not only her skill but also her strategic acumen in controlling the fight from start to finish. Looking forward, the next logical matchup would be against Khamzat Chimaev, who has been a talked-about contender for a title shot for quite some time. Chimaev’s trajectory has been somewhat complicated by various circumstances, yet his undefeated record and striking capability would present an electrifying challenge for Weili.
Should Chimaev be unavailable, a potential fight with Valentina Shevchenko looms large. The UFC had considered a champion vs. champion bout before UFC 312, and should the timelines align, this is an enticing option for both fighters. Shevchenko’s illustrious career and fight IQ would add significant intrigue to an already compelling division.
Meanwhile, Dricus Du Plessis has taken the middleweight division by storm, boasting four consecutive victories over former champions. His recent win against Sean Strickland strengthens his claim to the title shot against Chimaev—a matchup that fans have yearned for. This clash has potential not just for excitement but also for its implications for the division’s hierarchy, especially given Chimaev’s recent absence from top-tier matchups.
For a different direction, if Chimaev were to be otherwise occupied, Nassourdine Imavov emerges as a worthy contender. While not as high-profile as Chimaev, Imavov brings a blend of skill and experience that could test Du Plessis’s mettle. This matchup could generate interest if built correctly, positioning Du Plessis as an active and engaged champion.
Israel Adesanya, once a dominant champion, has seen a decline in form as he navigates the latter stages of his career. Following UFC 312, Du Plessis hinted at a rematch that could serve as a redemption arc for Adesanya. While the championship belt may no longer be his sole focus, the quest for revenge against Du Plessis could rejuvenate his career and reinvigorate his standing in the division. Both fighters are highly ranked, making this matchup appealing even if the title is not on the line.
Alternatively, a potential wildcard fight with rising star Bo Nickal might be on the horizon. Nickal’s development in the middleweight tier, despite his relative inexperience, is something to keep an eye on. Though this matchup may not be conventional, it represents an opportunity for both men to engage in a narrative centered around emerging talent versus established fighters.
Tatiana Suarez may not have succeeded in her title fight against Zhang Weili, but her stock remains high. An intriguing matchup against Mackenzie Dern—a fellow grappling aficionado—makes perfect sense. Both fighters have exceptional skill sets with grappling as their foundation, and a contest between them could serve as a showcase of top-level ground techniques.
If Suarez requires further time to regroup, a bout with the winner of Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo at UFC 313 is another niche opportunity lurking on the horizon. This matchup will determine a future title contender, and if Suarez can position herself against one of these fighters, it might set her back on the map for future title shots.
The implications of UFC 312 stretch beyond the immediate victories of Weili and Du Plessis, creating exciting possibilities and rivalries for the future. As fighters move through their careers, the matchmaking landscape constantly shifts, with patterns emerging that show potential narratives waiting to be explored. Whether it’s through champion versus champion bouts, high-stakes rematches, or emerging talents proving their capabilities, the road ahead is laden with opportunity. The next few matchups will not only define individual careers, but they will also shape the trajectories of their respective divisions within the ever-evolving sport of mixed martial arts.
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