Talk has already turned to Khamzat Chimaev’s next opponent after his UFC 319 title win.
The new middleweight champion dominated Dricus du Plessis en route to a decision victory on Saturday night.
Khamzat Chimaev‘s one-sided win pretty much rules out an immediate rematch with the South African icon.
One of the top 185lb contenders believes he is certain to get the next title fight following UFC 319.
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Khamzat Chimaev’s first UFC title defense
Nassourdine Imavov propelled himself into title contention by knocking out Israel Adesanya earlier this year.
The French fighter will look to establish himself as the number one middleweight contender on September 13.
He’ll square off against UFC 319 back-up fighter Caio Borralho in the main event of UFC Paris.
As far as Imavov is concerned, the result of that fight is a foregone conclusion in his favor.
The 30-year-old tagged Khamzat Chimaev as he confidently predicted he’ll get the next title shot.
Imavov wrote on X: “They’re all speaking but they know I’m next!”
Joe Rogan talks up Reinier de Ridder
Joe Rogan believes there’s another top contender with the skillset to trouble Khamzat Chimaev.
After commenting on UFC 319, the MMA icon shared his thoughts on the middleweight title picture.
Rogan talked up Reinier de Ridder after his recent wins over Robert Whittaker and Bo Nickal.
“Reinier de Ridder, in particular, given his ability to grapple on the ground, and also his ability to land shots standing, particularly that knee he lands. That is nasty,” the popular podcaster said.
“Toughness, experience, he throws those combinations with that long lead-in knee. He’s interesting.”