At UFC 319 in Chicago, Khamzat Chimaev secured the middleweight championship with a commanding performance against defending champion Dricus du Plessis, remaining undefeated and dominant throughout the fight. This victory has set the stage for a flurry of challengers aiming to dethrone the new king of the middleweight division.

Despite criticism from parts of the MMA community regarding Chimaev’s grappling-heavy approach in the title fight, few contenders appear eager to face him, given his overwhelming control. The Chechen fighter seems poised to accept upcoming challengers quickly, signaling readiness to defend his gold as soon as possible.

Chimaev Targets UFC Paris Winner as Next Title Opponent

With his focus now firmly on defending his championship, Khamzat Chimaev has identified two potential contenders for his first defense. Number one ranked Nassourdine Imavov and Brazilian fighter Caio Borralho, who served as the official backup for the UFC 319 event, are set to face off soon in France at UFC Paris. The victor will earn the right to challenge Chimaev for the middleweight belt.

Given the decisive nature of Chimaev’s recent win, UFC president Dana White has also suggested adding the new champion to UFC 321 in October, which could present a quick turnaround fight for Chimaev following his triumph.

Top Contenders Position Themselves for a Shot at Chimaev’s Title

The upcoming clash in Paris is likely to determine Chimaev’s next challenger. Nassourdine Imavov, ranked number one at 185 pounds, recently made waves with an impressive knockout victory over Israel Adesanya earlier this year in the Middle East. This win has cemented Imavov’s standing as a serious contender.

Caio Borralho, ranked sixth in the division, has also gained momentum. As a Dana White Contender Series alum, Borralho has won seven consecutive fights in the UFC since his arrival. Representing the Fighting Nerds team, he brings a strong blend of striking and grappling, which could be essential to countering Chimaev’s dominant wrestling style. His most recent win via decision came against Jared Cannonier, proving his versatility inside the Octagon.

Reinier de Ridder Emerges as a Compelling Dark Horse Against Chimaev

Another emerging threat inside the middleweight ranks is Reinier de Ridder, the Dutch grappler and former two-division ONE Championship titleholder. De Ridder is currently ranked fifth in the UFC middleweight division and has made impressive strides in just under a year since his debut. His recent headlining win over former champion Robert Whittaker has boosted his profile considerably.

Known for his strong grappling base, de Ridder has also enhanced his game with powerful body strikes and heavy knees, making him an intriguing stylistic challenge for Chimaev. While Chimaev has previously faced tough grapplers such as Gilbert Burns at welterweight, Burns was somewhat undersized compared to Chimaev, having competed in lighter weight classes.

The prospect of a bout against de Ridder, who combines size with offensive grappling skill, offers an exciting test for Chimaev and is a fight that many fans and experts hope to see in the near future, regardless of whether it is the immediate next challenge or not.

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What Lies Ahead for Khamzat Chimaev and the Middleweight Division

Khamzat Chimaev’s rise to the middleweight throne marks a new chapter for the UFC’s 185-pound division. With top contenders like Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho preparing to clash for a title opportunity, a thrilling challenger battle is imminent. Reinier de Ridder’s rapid ascent adds further excitement and unpredictability to the championship landscape.

As Chimaev gears up for his first defense, possibly as soon as UFC 321, the middleweight division is poised for intense competition and fresh rivalries. Fans can anticipate a dynamic period where dominant grappling, versatile striking, and high stakes converge around Chimaev’s reign.