Sun Nov 17 04:40:00 UTC 2024: ## UFC President Shakes Up Middleweight Title Contender Picture; Chimaev Eyed for Early 2025 Title Shot

**NEW YORK, NY** – UFC President Dana White has announced a potential shake-up in the middleweight division, suggesting that rising star Khamzat Chimaev could bypass No. 1 contender Sean Strickland for a title shot early next year. This comes despite Strickland’s recent win over Paulo Costa and White’s previous declaration that Strickland would be next in line for a fight against champion Dricus du Plessis.

Chimaev, currently ranked No. 3, impressed with his dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. This performance, coupled with du Plessis’s expressed preference for a Chimaev fight, appears to have swayed White’s decision.

Adding to the complexity, Strickland has publicly stated he will not be fighting in Australia for UFC 312 due to potential issues with the Australian government. He has suggested a March fight in Las Vegas as an alternative.

White’s announcement throws Strickland’s position into question, leaving the outspoken veteran potentially sidelined. The situation underscores a clash between the UFC’s desire for exciting matchups and the established ranking system, with the undefeated Chimaev’s captivating fighting style likely taking precedence. The UFC 309 event in New York City and the upcoming UFC Fight Night in Macau were also briefly mentioned. The outcome of this situation remains to be seen, and Strickland’s reaction to being potentially bypassed will be closely watched.

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