Sorry Strickland! Dana White gives opening for Whittaker vs. Chimaev winner to steal next middleweight title shot | UFC 308

Sean Strickland is fully expecting to get the next shot at UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, but things could change after Robert Whittaker battles Khamzat Chimaev tomorrow afternoon (Sat., Oct. 26, 2024) at UFC 308 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

This weekend’s five-round, co-main event clash between Whittaker and Chimaev is one of the most hyped fights of the year. The two middleweights were supposed to headline UFC Saudi Arabia this summer, but “Borz” became violently ill and was forced to withdraw. Fight fans have had to wait four extra months to see the 185-pound matchup unfold, but we’re finally here.

Of course, Saturday’s middleweight affair could present some difficult decisions for UFC matchmakers if Whittaker or Khamzat win in dramatic fashion. Being that UFC 308 is one of the most stacked cards of the years and fight fans tend to want to see the hot hand, Whittaker and Chimaev both have the opportunity to dominate and push for a middleweight title shot their next time out.

This would be a tough situation for Strickland considering the former UFC middleweight king is already expecting to get his rematch with Du Plessis, who defeated Strickland via split decision back at UFC 297 this past January to win the belt. Du Plessis has since defended the 185-pound strap with a submission finish over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 back in August.

White, who never likes to play matchmaker right before and directly after a major PPV event, left the door open for either Whittaker or Chimaev to steal the next title shot from Strickland if they impress this weekend in Abu Dhabi. Check it out below:

“Let’s see how the fight plays out,” White told Main Event TV. “We gotta see how it plays out before we start talking about jumping lines and who would get the next title shot…

“In this division, [Whittaker vs Chimaev] is the baddest fight that you could possibly make right now. Whoever wins, it’s a good thing for them.”

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