Usman Chimaev set to compete as a potential challenger
Bold Moves Ahead for UFC's Middleweight Division
UFC president Dana White has dropped a bombshell, confirming that the winner of Kamaru Usman vs. Khamzat Chimaev, set to go down at UFC 294 on October 21 in Abu Dhabi, will score a shot at the 185-pound title against current champ Sean Strickland, barring any unforeseen injuries or complications.
White made the announcement during a stint on Pat McAfee's show, stating these guys are jumping into the octagon on short notice, and the victor is set to claim the title shot. Usman was a late replacement for Paulo Costa, who was pulled out due to medical reasons. Neither fighter currently ranks in the top 15 of the Middleweight division; Usman being the former welterweight champion and Chimaev holding the fourth spot there.
Chimaev, who has finished five UFC opponents, is ready to annihilate anyone he faces and showed respect to Usman for taking on the bout on short notice: "I'm just going to smash the guy. Respect to him for stepping up. They've already cooked up excuses for him. Whether he's a champion, what his ranking is, or anything else - I don't care."
Usman, on the other hand, is already fantasizing about a rematch with Strickland, after having defeated him by unanimous decision in 2017: "I am going to fight Strickland, yes. He's improved a lot since our last fight. I would love that fight as much as he has, because I've improved too. Our rematch would be highly anticipated. I can't wait for it."
If the titleholder, Dricus du Plessis, is healthy, the next likely challenger seems to be Chimaev. However, du Plessis currently appears to be nursing an injury, which could lead Chimaev to face another top contender, like Caio Borralho, before securing a title shot.
Other viable contenders include Nassourdine Imavov, who has a strong case due to his record of beating top-ranked opponents, including a recent knockout win against former champion Israel Adesanya. Caio Borralho is another strong contender, pushing for a title shot with an undefeated UFC record and aggressive calls-outs of Imavov.
So, while Chimaev is the clear favorite for the next Middleweight title shot, there are other contenders eagerly waiting in the wings. Brace yourselves, UFC fans - things are going to get intense in the Middleweight division post-UFC 294!
The upcoming mixed-martial-arts bout between Kamaru Usman and Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC's Middleweight division could potentially determine the next contender for the 185-pound title, given their victor's anticipated title shot.
Should Usman or Chimaev successfully claim the title shot, it will mark their entry into the world of sports at this new weight class, adding another layer of intrigue to the UFC's Middleweight division.
