Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for new champ Dricus Du Plessis after UFC 297 title win?

January 21, 2024 4:20 pm ET

(ALSO SEE: Mick Maynard’s Shoes: What’s next for Sean Strickland after UFC 297 title loss?)

The UFC middleweight title once again changed hands Saturday when Dricus Du Plessis dethroned Sean Strickland in the UFC 297 main event.

It was the fourth time in the past four 185-pound title bouts that a new champion has been crowned. Du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) narrowly edged Strickland (28-6 MMA, 15-6 UFC) by split decision at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto to become the first South African titleholder in company history.

As big as the moment was for Du Plessis to put that belt around his waist for the first time, what’s to come next might be bigger. Du Plessis has several marquee opponent options to kick off his reign, including a Strickland rematch, a long-awaited bout with Israel Adesanya or undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev.

Which direction should the promotion go? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis on Du Plessis’ future after UFC 297.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.

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