Matchmaking for the UFC: Middleweights

Fans Only Sportz Network
28 minutes ago
9 min read

by Zak Drapeau and Matt Hylen 9/3/2025 Sportz Nation

This article will kick off the start of a new series where we, Zak Drapeau and Matt Hylen, will do our best Dana White-impressions and matchmake for the UFC, division by division.

We will attempt to matchmake for each division's Championship fights, Top-15, and some of the top unranked fighters. We will then, in our bravado, attempt to plan fights for the next 6-8 months and give you at least the next 2 title fights in each division.

As we go from week to week, every Wednesday at noon, bringing you a new division, let us know on social media which division you'd like to see next, or how you would book differently. (@DrapeauZak and @matthylen_)

Thank you for reading, and we hope you all enjoy the series!

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Current Middleweight Rankings (9/3) and Scheduled Fights

C Khamzat Chimaev

1 Dricus Du Plessis

2 Nassourdine Imavov

[v Borralho 9/6]

3 Sean Strickland

(Suspended until March)

4 Reinier De Ridder

[v Hernandez 10/18]

5 Israel Adesanya

6 Anthony Hernandez

[v De Ridder 10/18]

7 Caio Borralho

[v De Ridder 9/6]

8 Robert Whittaker

9 Brendan Allen

10 Michael Page

11 Jared Cannonier

12 Roman Dolidze

13 Paulo Costa

14 Marvin Vettori

15 Roman Kopylov

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The Middleweight division is at a crossroads right now, as it has only a few "Up-and-Comers" amongst a litter of established guys, including multiple fighters in the twilight of their careers. However, some of the established but aging fighters are still clinging to their spots and making a second resurgence in their careers. Other fighters are making their way into the Top-15 and even the Top-5 for the first time in their careers.

Of course, you can't talk about the Middleweights without starting with the reigning champ, the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. After finally getting a title shot with an 8-0 record, Chimaev overwhelmed and absolutely dominated Former champ Dricus Du Plessis to a 5-round, Unanimous 50-44 Decision Victory. Since Du Plessis himself was in the midst of a great 3-defense championship run, Chimaev should be widely considered as head and shoulders above everyone else in the division.

So who's next for the "unbeatable" Middleweight Champ? What fights make sense among the middle-ranked contenders? Let's dive into it!

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Match 1: Khamzat Chimaev vs WINNER of Imavov vs Borralho

Zak

For the sake of this matchup, I'm going to predict Nassourdine Imavov wins and takes on Khamzat Chimaev sometime around next May. Chimaev's wrestling and cardio are just too strong, and Imavov's takedown defense is great, but it isn't good enough to withstand the champ.

Imavov by Decision, then Chimaev by Submission

Matt

At this point, it is extremely hard to see Chimaev losing to anyone; however, that does not mean Imavov or Borralho won't put up a good fight. It is not easy to submit either one of these guys, thus making this matchup intriguing for Chimaev, no matter who wins it. In my eyes, whoever wins between Imavov and Borralho is absolutely the next in line for a title shot. Both these fighters are one win away, while also giving Chimaev a good challenge in terms of grappling. With that said, whoever wins between the two would need a heck of a lucky punch if they want to beat Khamzat.

I have Borralho to win by TKO/KO, then Chimaev by decision.

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Photo by Zac Pacleb, on X @zacpacleb/UFC.com

Match 2: Dricus Du Plessis vs WINNER of De Ridder vs Hernandez

Zak

For the sake of this matchup, I'm going to predict Anthony Hernandez wins and fights DDP sometime around February. Hernandez's relentless pressure and wrestling are just above DDP's, but it is a very good matchup for the former champ. In a battle of two complete middleweights fighting for what should be a title eliminator, DDP's experience and latest dance with a wrestler will serve him well, and he will end up being a slim winner in a razor-close contest.

Hernandez by Submission, then Du Plessis by Decision

Matt

Both De Ridder and Hernandez are in tough spots. My initial thought was that whoever wins between the two should get a title shot, but then there's Imavov/Borralho, who I think deserve it more. So, since the layoff for a title shot would be too long, this matchup would be a BANGER. I love this matchup for everyone involved here.

With the next title shot likely already decided (Imavov/Borralho winner), the winner of De Ridder and Hernandez would be a great rebound fight for Du Plessis. As for the winner of De Ridder/Hernandez, if the winner beats DDP, this would allow them to be the solidified and undeniable next-in-line contender for the belt after Chimaev vs. the winner of Imavov/Borralho. On the contrary, if DDP were to win, he would also be the undeniable next-in-line contender for the belt.

I have De Ridder beating Hernandez by decision and De Ridder beating DDP by submission.

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Match 3: LOSER of Imavov vs Borralho vs LOSER of De Ridder vs Hernandez

Zak

So, going off my earlier predictions, this ends up being Borralho vs. De Ridder and happens sometime around Spring 2026. With both men coming off a fresh loss following win streaks, they will both come into this fight with everything on the line. De Ridder's size and game are tough matchups for Borralho, and I see DDR picking up the win in an otherwise close battle.

De Ridder by Decision

Matt

This matchup, based on my take, would be Imavov vs. Hernandez, which is extremely intriguing. Both are super talented on the feet as well as on the ground, making this a stylistic chess match. The winner would put themselves back in the title conversation as well, which is what both these fighters would be looking for.

I would have Hernandez by Submission here.

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Photo by Maddynn Johnstone-Thomas, on X @maddynthomas/UFC.com

Match 4: Israel Adesanya vs Michael Page

Zak

In what will be a full-circle moment for Izzy after his legendary fight with Anderson Silva in 2019, fighting MVP will be Adesanya's last chance to prove he's still elite. In a pure kickboxing matchup between two tall specialists, MVP will have the torch passed to him in a bout eerily similar to its 2019 predecessor.

Page by Decision

Matt

This potential fight is, by far, my favorite matchup of the bunch. This would not only be certified entertainment, but the UFC could sell this fight until the wheels fall off. Two showman-style fighters with complex striking and something to prove are a match made in heaven in my eyes. Plus, it makes sense for both sides. Adesanya is looking for a rebound to maintain his top-ranked status, while Page is a fight away from solidifying himself in the title conversation. If I were Dana White, I would be all over making this fight happen.

I would have Adesanya by decision here.

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Match 5: Sean Strickland vs Robert Whittaker

Zak

This fight wasn't exactly what I thought Strickland would want after his suspension, but it makes sense from a rankings perspective. Whittaker is the aging former champion, and Strickland is going to walk him down as he tries to climb the ranks and fight for the title he was so proud to have.

Strickland by TKO

Matt

Since Strickland is suspended until at least March of 2026, I think Whittaker, who is coming off a couple of tough losses, would be a great comeback fight for Strickland. It would definitely be a safer move, but it might be Sean's only option if the top contenders are already booked. Whittaker may be past his prime, but he has enough left in the tank to make this fight interesting.

I would have Strickland by TKO/KO here.

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Match 6: Brendan Allen vs Paulo Costa

Zak

Paulo Costa rewound the clock in his win over Roman Kopylov and seems ready to try and make a second career push. Unfortunately, a matchup against Allen is bad for Costa because everything Paulo is good at, Allen is just better. Not likely to finish either way, this fight could easily be a POTN if we get the right Costa here.

Allen by Decision

Matt

Allen vs. Costa would be another matchup that makes sense in my eyes. Both are older prospects who are one fight away from getting a top-5 contender fight. If this were to happen, it could act as an eliminator of some sort, making the top a little less crowded. Stylistically, it may favor Allen since he is the superior grappler, but Costa may need to prove he can handle that if he wants another run at the top. Plus, if Costa can maintain the form that he showed against Roman Kopylov, then he may be extremely tough for Allen to close the distance on.

I would have Costa by decision against Allen.

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Match 7: Jared Cannonier vs WINNER of Pyfer vs A. Magomedov

Zak

I'm going to predict Joe Pyfer wins the first bout, setting up his next fight with Cannonier before the Spring. Cannonier may be entering the twilight of his career at 41, but he still has a lot of fire. In my biggest underdog pick of this list, I will actually take Cannonier to land some heavy shots on Pyfer and use control time to win in the end.

Pyfer by Decision, then Cannonier by Decision

Matt

With the winner of Joe Pyfer/Abusupiyan Magomedov deserving of a ranked fight next, I think Cannonier is the perfect gatekeeper to face. Cannonier is no more than a gatekeeper for unranked contenders at this point in his career, making it a no-brainer in my mind to pair him off with the two most worthy unranked contenders. In terms of the matchup, I think Pyfer would breeze past both Magomedov and Cannonier. He is the biggest up-and-comer in this division in my eyes, which I think will show in his coming fight.

I would have Pyfer beating Magomedov by decision, with Pyfer also defeating Cannonier by TKO/KO.

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Match 8: Roman Dolidze vs WINNER of Aliskerov vs Park

Zak

I'm going to predict Ikram Aliskerov wins his fight and takes on Roman Dolidze in a "gatekeeper" role. Dolidze is a wily veteran with some innovative grappling, but Aliskerov's hands are stone, and I can see the latter flatlining Dolidze to finally make it into the rankings.

Asliskerov by TKO, then Aliskerov by TKO

Matt

This is a matchup that makes sense for all sides. Dolidze, coming off a brutal loss to Anthony Hernandez, needs a bounce-back fight, and who better than the winner of an intriguing fight between Aliskerov and Park. All three of these fighters are dangerous when they get in the zone, which I think could cause some fireworks if they match up.

I have Aliskerov defeating Park by TKO/KO and would have Dolidze by decision against Aliskerov.

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Match 9: Marvin Vettori vs Gregory Rodrigues

Zak

Vettori has had a long and great career, but is in his twilight, even at the young age of 31. Vettori's prime was years ago, and he has lost 3 of his last 4, but he is still a nightmare on the feet, as is 'RoboCop' Gregory Rodrigues. Rodrigues seems to be in his prime and has an energetic and strong kickboxing game that should help him outpoint Vettori in the end.

Rodrigues by Decision

Matt

I think this fight is a legitimate option for a falling contender in Vettori and a stalled, unranked fighter in Rodrigues. Vettori needs a non-ranked opponent to prove he still belongs in the rankings, while this ranked fight would be a long time coming for a guy like Gregory Rodriguez.

I would have Rodrigues by submission against Vettori here.

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Photo by Kevin Schuster, on X @kevineschuster/ UFC.com

Match 10: Roman Kopylov vs Shara Magomedov

Zak

Shara is perhaps the #2 "Up-and-Comer" in the entire division behind the man who derailed his hype train, Michael Page. Getting another shot at breaking into the Top-15, Magomedov should put the pace on Kopylov that he isn't ready for, and I think he'll finish him before the final bell.

Magomedov by TKO

Matt

This is another entertaining fight in my eyes, while also making sense as a whole. Shara Magomedov proved saved himself from falling out of a ranked fight in his last win, while Kopylov may be no more than a gatekeeper who can give you a flash knockout. This would be an absolute show in my eyes, with a knockout almost imminent. A huge money maker fight in my opinion.

I would have Magomedov defeating Kopylov by TKO/KO here.

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Match 11: Jack Hermansson vs Brunno Ferreira

Zak

Hermansson is one of those fighters trying to cling to his spot, and Ferreira is trying to make it into the Top 15 after a two-fight win streak. Ferreira is a jiu-jitsu specialist, but Hermansson still has tremendous takedown defense at his age. After a while, Ferreira will run out of gas, and Hermansson should remain sharp until the end.

Hermansson by Decision

Matt

Though it may not be the most exciting fight in the world, I think Hermansson vs Ferreira would make the most sense. Ferreira would get a real test in a guy like Hermansson, who still has the tools to compete even with his fast decline. This a career-saving fight for Hermansson while beating a path-creator for Ferreira.

I would have Ferreira beating Hermansson by submission.

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Match 12: Shabazyan vs Muniz (Confirmed 10/4)

Zak

This fight was added to our list because both fighters are around the #20 ranking of the division, and since it's happening in a month, we thought it was only right to make our predictions. I'm gonna go with Muniz here, and I think it's by submission in the 2nd round.

Muniz by Sub

Matt

This is a very interesting fight that non-grappling fans are going to hate. With that said, I don't think this fight will be very close. Shabazyan could get sominated on the ground against a grappler like Muniz, who is known for ending fights quickly. I predict Muniz will overwhelm Shabazyan early and often, for as long as the fight goes on.

I have Muniz by submission here.

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