The main event of UFC 305 showcased middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis successfully defending his title against former champ Israel Adesanya via fourth-round submission. With this win, Du Plessis maintains his undefeated record inside the Octagon at 8-0. The question now arises – what’s next for the middleweight champ?
The CEO of UFC, Dana White, had named Strickland as the No. 1 contender ahead of UFC 305, which was quite surprising considering the recent trends. The idea of a rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland, who put on an entertaining and close fight in January, seems like a plausible next move. The rematch could potentially take place in December, wrapping up the year with a highly anticipated fight.
While this may not be the most realistic option, the winner of this fight between Whittaker and Chimaev could potentially shake up the middleweight division. However, given the recent performances and ranking standings, it is likely that the rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland will take precedence.
Israel Adesanya finds himself at a crossroads after suffering back-to-back losses. While he remains an elite fighter, questions arise about how long he can maintain his dominance in the division. A fresh matchup, such as an Adesanya vs. Chimaev fight, could reignite his competitive spirit and provide a new challenge for the former champion.
Considering Adesanya’s recent struggles and the need for a rejuvenated matchup, a potential fight against the winner of Allen vs. Imavov could present an interesting opportunity. While this may not be the most conventional choice, it could provide a new direction for Adesanya in the stacked middleweight division.
The co-main event of UFC 305 saw Kai Kara-France return impressively with a first-round knockout of Steve Erceg. With this win, Kara-France solidified his position in the flyweight division and raised questions about his next opponent in the title picture.
Kara-France’s victory at UFC 305 makes him a strong contender for the flyweight title. A potential rematch with Pantoja, whom he has faced on “The Ultimate Fighter” in the past, could provide an exciting matchup in the division. With limited options in the flyweight division currently, this fight seems like the most viable option for the title picture.
Despite his recent loss, a potential matchup between Kara-France and Kape could generate significant interest due to their history and rivalry. While this may not be the immediate next step, a future fight between these two flyweight contenders remains a compelling prospect.
After his impressive performance at UFC 305, Dan Hooker has opened up a world of possibilities in the lightweight division. With a victory over Mateusz Gamrot in a Fight of the Night, Hooker has positioned himself for exciting matchups in the future.
Among the many options available for Hooker, a showdown with Charles Oliveira stands out as an exciting prospect. Both fighters have showcased their skills and resilience in the Octagon, making this potential matchup a fan favorite. While other options exist, Oliveira remains a top pick for the next challenge for Hooker.
Another intriguing option for Hooker could be a fight against Justin Gaethje, with the timing potentially aligning for a showdown in December. A matchup between these two fighters could provide fireworks and add to the excitement in the lightweight division.
Carlos Prates made waves at UFC 305 with a stunning knockout of veteran Li Jingliang, showcasing his potential as a future name in the sport. As the UFC looks to build up this rising star, several potential matchups could be on the horizon.
Prates’ electrifying performances have caught the attention of many, and a fight against Khaos Williams could be a thrilling matchup between two explosive fighters. While other options exist, the clash between Prates and Williams seems to hold the most excitement and intrigue for the fans.
For a more challenging matchup, the UFC could consider pitting Prates against the ranked fighter Vicente Luque. A fight between these two dynamic strikers could provide a fast track for Prates to climb the rankings and make a name for himself in the welterweight division. While this matchup may be a stretch, it holds the potential for an exhilarating showdown in the Octagon.
UFC 305 provided fans with a night full of surprises and exciting matchups. As the top stars of the event look towards the future, several intriguing possibilities emerge for potential matchups and challenges in their respective divisions. From rematches to wildcards, the aftermath of UFC 305 sets the stage for compelling fights and new opportunities for the fighters in the Octagon.
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