UFC 312 Aftermath What’s Next for Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis
UFC 312: Zhang, Du Plessis’ Future
The dust has barely settled on UFC 300, but the MMA world never sleeps. As the Octagon doors close on one event, another eagerly awaits its chance to showcase the world’s best fighters. And at UFC 312, two reigning championsZhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessisface significant questions about their next steps inside the cage.
What’s Next for Zhang Weili?
Zhang Weili, the reigning UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion, reminded the world of her dominance with a commanding performance at UFC 300. The Chinese superstar has cemented her position atop the division, but every champion knows that staying there is the real challenge.
Is Yan Xiaonan Next in Line?
A potential challenger waiting in the wings is fellow Chinese contender Yan Xiaonan. With Yan’s recent wins over elite competition, a Zhang vs. Yan showdown would be historica first-ever all-Chinese title fight in UFC history. Talk about a monumental moment for MMA in China.
Zhang has expressed willingness to take on all challengers, and with the strawweight division buzzing with talent, the UFC could be setting up this all-China superfight sooner rather than later.
Could a Move to Flyweight Make Sense?
Another route for Zhang? A jump up to 125 pounds. While she has made it clear that her focus remains on defending her strawweight belt, the appeal of chasing a second title could become irresistible. If she does move up, a matchup against reigning flyweight queen Alexa Grasso or dominant former champion Valentina Shevchenko would be massive.
For now, though, Zhang remains the queen of the strawweightsand her next move will dictate the future of the division.
Dricus Du Plessis’ Title Reign Begins
If there’s one fighter who thrives on proving doubters wrong, it’s Dricus Du Plessis. The newly minted middleweight champion shook up the MMA world with his recent win, establishing himself as the top dog at 185 pounds. But being champion in one of the UFC’s toughest divisions means little time for celebration.
Adesanya’s Shadow Lurks
It’s no secret that Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya is the fight most fans want to see. The bad blood between the two has been brewing for years, and their war of words makes this bout one of the most anticipated in the division’s history.
Adesanya, the former champion and one of the best middleweights ever, remains the biggest threat to Du Plessis’ reign. If the UFC books this fight for later in 2024, expect sparks to fly.
What About Sean Strickland?
Before Adesanya gets his shot, though, there’s another pressing questionwhat about Sean Strickland? The outspoken and unpredictable former champion remains a top contender, and he could disrupt the UFC’s plans if he earns the next title shot.
Strickland’s style presents a unique challenge for Du Plessis, and his relentless pressure would test the new champ in ways we haven’t seen before. Whether it happens before or after Adesanya gets his chance, Strickland will almost certainly be a factor in the title picture.
Looking Ahead to UFC 312
As UFC 312 looms on the horizon, the paths for Zhang Weili and Dricus Du Plessis are taking shape. Will Zhang face a fellow Chinese star, or test herself in a new division? Can Du Plessis withstand a division filled with killers and hold onto his belt? These are the questions that will define the eventand make it a must-watch for MMA fans worldwide.
The only certainty in the UFC? Nothing ever stays the same for long.