The middleweight division of the UFC has been one of the most active weight classes in recent times. With three separate champions within a period of one year, the MMA community is utterly content with the developments of the division. Now, that Dricus Du Plessis is going for the middleweight title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, the entire division is on alert as they could witness a new champion.

“Stylebender” is ͏not the only fighter closing in on the middleweight title; former champion Sean Strick͏land is also narrowing the gap. Ami͏dst the growing confusion, a UFC insider has come forward to reveal the mastermind behind the f͏iasc͏o.

UFC insider explains the original roadmap for Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, and Dricus Du Plessis

It all started when Sean Strickland stunned the world by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 to clinch the middleweight title for himself. ‘Tarzan’ got the victory and became the funniest title holder for the middleweight division to date. However, things changed when Strickland crossed paths with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297. The South African clinched the victory via a unanimous decision after a bloody fight.

Well, now that a considerable amount of time has passed since the middleweight title changed hands, Dana White is looking at another blockbuster middleweight title fight and it appears that Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis can provide it at UFC 305. Well, UFC insider, Chael Sonnen has come forward to explain the original game plan for the middleweight division that Dana White had in mind before Izzy lost the fight to Strickland. “Rumors suggest it’s actually going to be Izzy against Strickland. Then another rumor suggests it’s going to be DDP versus Strickland, with Izzy sitting in the front row,” Sonnen claimed.

Uncle Chael further added, “Why? Because Izzy is going to challenge the winner of Strickland versus DDP in the main event of UFC 300. Now, I can tell you for sure, that was indeed the plan. Did that plan last an hour or did it last a week? That I don’t know. But it was in fact the plan to get Izzy to Canada to watch an American fight a South American. Just accept it. This is the way it went in a fight.”

With Adesanya and Strickland aiming to take back and Du Plessis trying to retain the title, the middleweight division is up for healthy competition. UFC 305 would decide the fate of the middleweight division, however, ahead of the fated clash, a former UFC fighter has come forward to support DDP.

‘Stillknocks’ got support from an unexpected source

Dricus Du Plessis came to the UFC with just one thing on his mind and that’s to represent his country as well as to clinch the title for his nation. Now, that ‘Stillknocks’ got what he wanted from the promotion, he has another challenge in front of him and that is to successfully defend his title. To give you a simple interesting fact, the last time someone successfully defended the middleweight belt it was back in 2022, when Adesanya defended his title against Jared Cannonier.

Well, Du Plessis has a chance to change the trajectory of the division and Chris Weidman believes in him. While having an interview with Cageside Press, Weidman said, “Dricus Du Plessis, there was so much doubt about this guy because he’s got such an unorthodox style, and he looks tired a lot of the time, but he’s really proven to be a worthy champion.” 

UFC 305 is scheduled on September 17, 2024, and Du Plessis will be doing his utter best to defend his title but going past Israel Adesanya is not everyone’s cup of tea. Regardless, what’s your take on the fate of the middleweight division? State your thoughts in the comments below.