Monday Matchmaker: UFC 312

UFC 312: Du Plessis vs. Strickland II

UFC 312 delivered one of the most memorable events of the year, with champion Dricus Du Plessis asserting his dominance over Sean Strickland and several other fighters making strong statements. This event reshaped multiple divisions, and the UFC faces big decisions regarding upcoming matchups.

Let’s break down the fights that need to happen next, based on performances at UFC 312.

Dricus Du Plessis

• Khamzat Chimaev

Dricus Du Plessis proved he is a legitimate champion by dismantling Sean Strickland over five rounds. Du Plessis didn’t rely on a quick finish or Strickland’s mistakes—he figured Strickland out on the feet, dominated him from bell to bell, and walked away with a clear decision victory.

Despite hints at a future super-fight with Alex Pereira at light heavyweight, Du Plessis made it clear in his post-fight interview that Khamzat Chimaev is next. The champion deserves praise for prioritizing his division’s top contender rather than chasing superfights outside of his weight class. Chimaev, who earned a first-round finish over Robert Whittaker, is the obvious next opponent.

This fight is being targeted for International Fight Week and could headline a stacked card. The narrative surrounding this bout is intriguing—Du Plessis is known for his endurance and ability to push the pace, while Chimaev has built a reputation as a fast starter but has struggled in later rounds. If Chimaev doesn’t secure an early finish, can he keep up with the relentless champion?

Sean Strickland

• Israel Adesanya

Israel Adesanya’s recent setbacks have left him in a precarious position. Although some fans have floated the idea of matching him with lower-ranked fighters like Brendan Allen or Anthony Hernandez, the UFC will likely go in a different direction. A rematch with Sean Strickland is the most logical next step.

This fight offers Adesanya a chance to redeem himself against an opponent who shocked the world by defeating him last year. The UFC will market the narrative of “unfinished business” between the two, with Adesanya looking to reclaim his pride and Strickland aiming to avenge his title loss to Du Plessis.

Both fighters remain big names, and their personalities make this bout highly marketable. Strickland’s trash talk and Adesanya’s charisma will build hype for the rematch. A five-round co-main event on a summer pay-per-view card, possibly in August, seems like the perfect spot for this bout.

Zhang Weili

• Valentina Shevchenko

After successfully defending her title, Zhang Weili has few challenges left in the strawweight division. The UFC could capitalize on her momentum by booking a super-fight against Valentina Shevchenko.

For this matchup to materialize, Shevchenko would need to defeat Manon Fiorot in their upcoming fight. The UFC can build anticipation by involving Zhang in the pre-fight hype for Shevchenko vs. Fiorot, setting the stage for a clash between two of the sport’s most decorated champions. This bout would co-main event a pay-per-view and offer a massive crossover appeal.

Tatiana Suarez

• Yan Xiaonan

Tatiana Suarez was expected to dominate at UFC 312 but instead suffered a tough loss to Zhang Weili. Despite this setback, Suarez remains one of the division’s top competitors. A fight with Yan Xiaonan, who has been on a strong run, would make perfect sense as a title eliminator.

Both fighters bring contrasting styles—Suarez’s wrestling and pressure versus Yan’s technical striking. The winner could position themselves as the next title challenger, particularly if Zhang successfully defends her belt in her next fight.

Aleksandre Topuria

• Charles Jourdain

Alexandre Topuria impressed in his UFC debut, but he now needs a step up in competition. Charles Jourdain, who recently moved to bantamweight and earned a win over Victor Henry, would be a perfect next opponent.

Jourdain’s aggressive and unpredictable striking would test Topuria’s composure and skill. This fight would likely take place on the undercard of a major pay-per-view, potentially alongside Ilia Topuria’s next bout. If Alexandre wins, he could start aiming for a ranked opponent.

Jake Matthews

• Randy Brown

Jake Matthews called out Neil Magny after his win at UFC 312, but the UFC is unlikely to make that fight due to Magny’s high pay grade. And it’s unlikely that the UFC would spend that money for a Jake Matthews fight. Instead, Randy Brown emerges as a more practical and equally intriguing opponent.

Brown and Matthews are both vying for a spot in the welterweight rankings. This fight would fit perfectly on an Apex Fight Night main card. Both fighters have exciting styles, and a victory here would propel the winner closer to facing ranked competition.

Tallison Teixeira

• Mohammed Usman

Let’s be honest—the heavyweight division is in one of its weakest periods in recent memory. That’s why it’s crucial not to rush young, exciting prospects like Tallison Teixeira. Fighters with potential need time to develop, gain experience, and stack up wins before facing top-tier competition.

Teixeira, at just 25 years old, has shown impressive skills and potential. However, throwing him to the wolves too soon could hinder his progress. A matchup with Mohammed Usman strikes the perfect balance—Usman is a known name in the division and provides a solid challenge, but it’s a stylistically winnable fight for Teixeira.

This fight offers Teixeira the opportunity to build his resume and continue growing as a legitimate contender without unnecessary risk.

Anshul Jubli

• Victor Martinez

The memes about Anshul Jubli’s KO loss have gone viral, racking up millions of views across the internet. While he may be the subject of jokes for now, this attention can quickly turn into respect with a few big wins.

The rising star from India holds a 7-2 record, which might not seem impressive at first glance. However, MMA history is full of fighters who faced early setbacks before rising to greatness—champions like Max Holloway and Rafael dos Anjos are prime examples.

Jubli’s next fight is critical and could determine whether he stays in the UFC. A bout with Victor Martinez, who also needs a win to secure his place in the organization, would be a perfect matchup.

Want to know more about each event? Visit homeoffight.com or any of our social media accounts for more articles, fighter interviews, and plenty of more coverage. Enjoy the fights, let us know how you’ll be watching!