The UFC Middleweight scene is full of surprises lately. Sean Strickland’s victory over Israel Adesanya has garnered attention, despite his less flashy fighting style. Dricus Du Plessis has quickly climbed the ranks and clinched the championship, a remarkable feat given his past status. These unexpected developments have shaken up the division.
Exciting matchups are on the horizon in the 185-pound weight class. The upcoming showdown between Du Plessis and Adesanya has fans buzzing due to their feud and contrasting styles. Strickland’s recent win over Paulo Costa has propelled him back into title contention, opening the door for potential rematches with Du Plessis or Adesanya.
Meanwhile, rising star Khamzat Chimaev, undefeated so far, is gearing up to face Robert Whittaker in a highly anticipated fight. However, the notable absence of Jared Cannonier in these marquee bouts raises concerns about his shot at the title. Despite winning two of his last five matchups, including a dominant performance against Marvin Vettori, Cannonier seems to be overlooked in favor of more established names.
The UFC has a history of favoring popular fighters over deserving contenders, and Cannonier’s case appears to be another example of this trend. At 40 years old, Cannonier may not have many chances left to vie for the title, which would be a disservice given his skills and athleticism. It remains to be seen if he will receive another opportunity at championship gold before it’s too late.
