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Three possible next opponents for Dricus Du Plessis
On Saturday night, UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis defended his title again. In a rematch with Sean Strickland, Du Plessis showed pure domination, even breaking Strickland's nose in the fourth round. Now the future looks bright for Du Plessis who will have several options in front of him for his next fight. Here are three names we think have the biggest chance of being the one to challenge Du Plessis next.
1. Nassourdine Imavov
No. 2 ranked Nassourdine Imavov is most likely in line just according to the UFC rankings. He's coming off a huge win over former champion Israel Adesanya and he's earned a shot at the title. After the fight Imavov took to Twitter to express his interest in fighting Du Plessis next. Unfortunately, it seems Du Plessis has his eyes set on another contender.
2. Alex Pereira
This is the most unlikely of the three, but still a real possibility. Pereira was cageside at UFC 312 and Du Plessis even spoke to him while still on the mic. The fight would be a super fight and could take place at middleweight or light heavyweight.
“I have the world of respect for Alex Pereira. I think he’s the world’s pound-for-pound best,” Du Plessis said at the UFC 312 post-fight press conference. “I have the most respect for what he’s done in such a short period of time in the UFC, to come from another sport and what he’s done there," Du Plessis said at the post-fight press conference.
“So yes, I want to share the octagon with that man. I want to beat that guy. I’ve beaten Adesanya, who’s beaten him. I know I can beat him at 205 (pounds), 100 percent."
Pereira seems open to the idea of 205 pounds as well.
3. Khamzat Chimaev
"Khamzat is next. Khamzat is next," Du Plessis said after the win. The thing is, he doesn't get to pick. The UFC does. He may not be wrong, that would be a great fight. But it should be Imavov next, if we're going by rankings.
"I want Khamzat next.”
We'll just have to wait and see.
