Du Plessis vs Usman may not lead to a title shot

Even if Dricus Du Plessis or Kamaru Usman wins in Oklahoma City, Nassourdine Imavov still appears to have the strongest case for the next middleweight title fight.

The main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman will play a major role in the future of the UFC middleweight division. Both are former champions and are now fighting once again to earn a title shot. But even a victory might not be enough for either of them just yet.

The reason for this is Nassourdine Imavov.

He was actually supposed to be the next opponent for Khamzat Chimaev if Khamzat Chimaev had successfully defended his title. However, since Sean Strickland surprisingly won the fight, things have changed a bit. Now it appears that Nassourdine Imavov will have to fight Sean Strickland to earn a shot at the title.Since Khamzat Chimaev lost his title without making a single title defense, he is not entitled to an immediate rematch, so the door is open for Nassourdine Imavov.

The two have fought each other once before, but that was three years ago. Sean Strickland may have won that fight, but it took place under unusual circumstances, since Sean Strickland stepped in on very short notice. So that shouldn't matter much anymore.Since then, however, Nassourdine Imavov has racked up a string of impressive victories, which have once again established him as a top contender.

For Dricus Du Plessis and Kamaru Usman, this is, of course, a bit unfortunate. Unless they win with a very dominant performance, the choice for the title fight will likely fall on Nassourdine Imavov.

It’s an unfortunate situation for Kamaru Usman and Dricus Du Plessis. But I still think a victory wouldn’t be a complete waste. The winner will certainly get a title shot in the future. So the fight between the two is by no means pointless. I just hope they see it that way, too.