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Brett Okamoto
Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis made competing at the highest level of MMA look easy at UFC 312, as they turned the last two fights of the night into one-sided affairs.
First, Zhang dominated Tatiana Suarez, winning by unanimous decision to retain the strawweight title in the co-main event. Zhang landed 232 total strikes to just 63 landed by Suarez.
Then, in the main event, Du Plessis successfully defended the middleweight championship, turning back Sean Strickland in a rematch of their January 2024 title fight. Du Plessis has now beaten a former champion in each of his last four fights.
How could future matchmaking play out following UFC 312? Here’s what should be next for the top stars from Saturday’s pay-per-view event.
Dricus Du Plessis, middleweight
Who should be next: Khamzat Chimaev
This matchup is as obvious as it gets. The sport has been waiting for a Chimaev title fight for years. I wanted it to happen when Israel Adesanya was champion, for the sheer magnitude of the matchup. However, the stakes went down once Adesanya lost, as the division was no longer run by a generational talent. But considering what Du Plessis has done in the last two years — he is undefeated in the UFC with two title defenses — this matchup is arguably just as big as Adesanya vs. Chimaev would have been. Du Plessis hasn’t accomplished what Adesanya has yet, but he’s on his way. This fight needs to happen next, and it could easily headline a major card, like International Fight Week in Las Vegas this summer.
Wildcard: Nassourdine Imavov
If Chimaev is unavailable — which, unfortunately, has been the case recently — then Imavov is next up. Imavov is deserving of a title fight and he’s an intriguing matchup for Du Plessis, but for all parties involved, Chimaev should be first. The anticipation for Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is so high, an Imavov title shot would be a disappointment, and no one — particularly Du Plessis and the UFC — wants that.
Sean Strickland, middleweight
Who should be next: Israel Adesanya
Du Plessis suggested this rematch at his post-fight news conference and it’s the right move. The reality is that Adesanya has slowed a step. It’s OK to acknowledge that. He’s been one of the most active combat sports athletes on the planet for the last decade. I don’t expect him to re-enter the title picture, though it’s possible. He’s still talented with a big name, but it’s not necessary — or even interesting at this point. Adesanya’s career has reached the point where a belt feels inconsequential. The opportunity for revenge feels far more important. This is the right fight for two middleweights who are highly ranked but, frankly, won’t be in the title discussion any time soon — perhaps ever again.
Wildcard: Bo Nickal
It’s a stretch to do this fight now, but there are reasons to do it. Even though Nickal is still developing, no one can say with any certainty that Strickland is out of his league. This matchup would test Nickal’s development as a middleweight, while not being far too much for him to handle. It would be a way to draw a lot of attention to Nickal, and for the UFC to get another marketable fight for Strickland, who is likely one of the highest paid fighters in the division.
Zhang Weili, strawweight
Who should be next: Valentina Shevchenko
The UFC looked at this option prior to booking Zhang vs. Suarez at UFC 312, but Shevchenko wasn’t available. The timing needs to work out, but the important thing is that the UFC is onboard. The promotion can be hot or cold regarding the idea of a defending champion moving up, depending on a variety of factors. If Shevchenko can be ready to go in a timeframe that makes sense, this will be the next matchup for both.
Wildcard: Virna Jandiroba
If the timing doesn’t work out for a champion vs. champion fight, then it’s simply the next title challenger up for Zhang. Jandiroba has a 21-3 record. She’s scheduled to fight Yan Xiaonan on April 12. If by then, the UFC knows it can’t make Zhang vs. Shevchenko next, then I’d expect Jandiroba to leave UFC 314 with a title shot, provided she can beat Yan.
Tatiana Suarez, strawweight
Who should be next: Mackenzie Dern
Suarez fell well short of expectations in her first title fight, but that is far from the end of the world. She looked unbeatable on her way up, it felt like some MMA fans believed she’d waltz her way to a championship win against Zhang, which was foolish. Zhang has proven to be one of the best fighters of her era. The good news for Suarez is that she can still do the same. She’s got time, but of course, she must stay healthy. A matchup with Dern is an obvious one, considering their both phenoms on the ground. Suarez is a wrestling specialist, while Dern has a background in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. And they’ve never fought. Dern is coming off a win and wants to fight up the rankings. Suarez is off a loss, and will need to fight down in the rankings. It’s hard to picture the UFC going in any other direction.
Wildcard: Winner of Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo at UFC 313 on March 8
Lemos is a former title challenger with an exciting fighting style. Lucindo is an ascending 23-year-old, who has catapulted up the rankings the last two years. I believe the sport and the UFC would love to see Suarez vs. Lucindo at some point — although I’m not sure if that’s right now. Lucindo is young, but then again, she’s been fighting professionally since 2017 and if she beats Lemos, it’s hard to say she’s not ready for the top of the division. Suarez vs. Dern is the most likely option, but the winner of Lemos vs. Lucindo is also a real possibility.