Who’s gonna try to take the title away from Dricus du Plessis next? That’s been a major question following the South African star’s triumph over Israel Adesanya. While Sean Strickland called out du Plessis via social media, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier believes that ‘Tarzan’ might get some stiff competition from Khamzat Chimaev in getting that title shot.

Khamzat Chimaev is coming back to action in the re-booked fight against Robert Whittaker after he pulled out from their Saudi Arabia fight. Meanwhile, ‘The Reaper’ has been on a roll as of late, and just like Sean Strickland, he’s also looming around the title picture. However, if Khamzat Chimaev wins, the whole table may turn, according to Daniel Cormier.

Could Dana White grant Khamzat Chimaev the title shot instead of Sean Strickland? Daniel Cormier explains

When Sean Strickland bit the dust against Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297, it was a close split-decision loss. He bounced back from it with a win over Paulo Costa and let out a cry thereafter for a well-deserved rematch against the champion. However, a hurdle may pop up for the ever-vocal former champion if Khamzat Chimaev manages to beat Robert Whittaker while also extending his undefeated record.

“If Khamzat wins [against Whittaker], now you got something to worry about, truly worry about… That would make me concerned if I’m Sean Strickland,” Daniel Cormier stated on the ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy’ show. “Sean did the right thing Saturday. He jumped right down DDP’s throat, ‘Hey, it’s me and you next, right? Don’t go running.’ But he shouldn’t feel so good.”

However, there’s one thing to consider. Dana White recently spoke out about Sean Strickland when asked about his chances of earning a title shot, where he claimed that the winner of the UFC 305 headliner would face ‘Tarzan’. This is probably why Strickland called out Dricus du Plessis in the first place. However, Daniel Cormier appears skeptical about that promise because of the “tone” in which the UFC CEO made that statement. Could a win at UFC 308 create an opening for Khamzat Chimaev to claim his title shot?

“When Dana speaks, he might go, ‘This guy’s next’… But then there’s a tone to his voice that makes you believe that what he’s telling you is certain. I didn’t hear that tone… I do believe there’s room for Chimaev to work his way in there,” Cormier added. While there’s talk about Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev’s claim to a title shot, Dricus du Plessis believes that someone else deserves it more than these two stars.

Dricus du Plessis claims Robert Whittaker deserves a title shot

After the biggest win of his MMA career, Dricus du Plessis addressed the media and did not skip a beat in taking the rightful contender’s name for his next defense. According to the South African, there’s no one more deserving of a title shot than Robert Whittaker, who he knocked out at UFC 290. He took ‘The Reaper’s name primarily due to his recent run of successful outings and showing no hesitance in taking on Khamzat Chimaev in a re-booked fight.

“Robert Whittaker deserves the shot. I think he’s being done over. Whittaker beat [Paulo] Costa. Sean Strickland’s only saving grace is the fact he went to a decision with me. That’s it,” Paulo Costa stated at the post-fight press conference. This is an interesting take as well, but will Dana White consider this statement? That remains to be seen.

Perhaps the most interesting development in the middleweight scene is the addition of ‘contender’ Adesanya. For the first time in years, ‘Izzy’ is available for a non-title fight. Since he lost his last two bouts decisively, getting finished in one of them, he should be at least two solid wins away from the title.

Could Dana White match Chimaev against Adesanya if he beats Whittaker? A win over the Nigerian and Whittaker would all but cement Chimaev’s title-shot claims. Meanwhile, Strickland could get his promised shot at Du Plessis. The possibilities at 185 lbs are many. It’s just a matter of where White chooses to put his money.

The middleweight title scene is getting exciting for the fans, but that may not be the case for Sean Strickland. Nevertheless, let us know what you have to say about Daniel Cormier’s assessment of the title picture. Drop your comments below.