The next Khamzat Chimaev title challenger will be determined in the upcoming months, following the recent developments in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC middleweight division. At UFC 319, Khamzat Chimaev solidified his position as middleweight champion after Dricus du Plessis was decisively defeated in a five-round battle. Despite Chimaev’s interest in a swift defense at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25, UFC President Dana White has indicated that fans will need to wait for the official contender to emerge.
Upcoming Decider for Middleweight Title Shot
Dana White announced significant fight news on social media, spotlighting a pivotal middleweight match set to headline UFC Vancouver on October 18. This contest between Reiner de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez is shaping up to be a key eliminator that will determine who faces Khamzat Chimaev next. Both fighters voiced their interest in challenging Chimaev soon after UFC 319, setting the stage for this high-stakes encounter.
Before the Vancouver event, the UFC will host another meaningful middleweight showdown in Paris on September 6. Nassourdine Imavov is scheduled to face Caio Borralho, who served as a backup fighter at UFC 319. These two bouts are crucial steps toward naming the official challenger to Chimaev’s crown.
“We’ll see how this whole thing plays out,”
Dana White said about the ongoing contender picture.
“We’re gonna end up with a middleweight challenger for Khamzat Chimaev’s title.”
—Dana White, UFC President
Complete UFC Vancouver Fight Card Announced
Alongside the de Ridder versus Hernandez showdown, several other notable fights have been confirmed for UFC Vancouver. The event will feature Kevin Holland facing Mike Malott, Manon Fiorot against Jasmine Jasudavicius, and Marlon Vera matched with Aiemann Zahabi. Additional bouts include Azamat Bekoev versus Yousri Belgaroui, Danny Barlow taking on Djorden Ribieiro dos Santos, Bruno Gustavo da Silva meeting Park Hyun-sung, and Stephanie Luciano competing against Ravena Oliveira.
These matchups highlight the growing competition in the middleweight division and beyond, illustrating the UFC‘s commitment to building fresh title challengers. Each fight presents an opportunity for fighters to advance their careers and possibly earn a shot at the championship held by Khamzat Chimaev.
Significance of These Battles for the Middleweight Division
The scheduled bouts mark an important phase in the middleweight division’s championship picture. With Khamzat Chimaev’s dominance clear after UFC 319, the UFC is set to carefully select his next opponent through these eliminator-style fights. The outcomes of De Ridder vs. Hernandez and Imavov vs. Borralho will create a clear pathway toward challenging Chimaev’s reign.
As the division prepares for these critical matchups, the anticipation builds around who will emerge as the next worthy contender. Fans and analysts alike remain focused on October’s UFC Vancouver event and the Paris headline fight, both key to shaping the middleweight title landscape in the months ahead.