The rivalry between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev is one for the books, with chapters full of intensity, both in training and on social media. Their story is a mix of action, emotion, and a building tension that could lead to an epic Octagon showdown. What about a battle in a fabled anime like that of Dragon Ball with beams of destruction and catastrophe? Xtreme Couture head honcho and Strickland’s coach Eric Nicksick shares a similar sentiment, though his analogy draws from a different kind of action.

Speaking recently to Inside Fighting, Nicksick previewed what could unfold after Strickland’s matchup with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 312. According to Nicksick, a potential bout between Strickland and Chimaev would be nothing short of a storm. “It’s going to be a fu**ing war, right? Like that cartoon where you see the two dogs with the big ball of dust? Limbs and tails and everything flying around. That’s what you’re gonna see, man. Two ultimate competitors.”

Before we get to witness the potential showdown between Strickland and Chimaev, all eyes are on the main event of UFC 312. This fight will headline UFC’s PPV event in Australia for 2025, with the reigning champion Du Plessis putting his title on the line against ‘Tarzan’. Expect a thrilling contest, packed with relentless pressure and relentless grappling from both fighters.

But there’s an interesting twist—many fans are speculating that this bout could pave the way for a future matchup between DDP and Chimaev. The stakes are high, and the potential implications are even higher, as this fight might set the stage for even more fireworks down the line.

What is the fight to make at 185lbs after UFC 312?

In December 2024, Dricus Du Plessis sparked speculation by revealing to Fox Sports Australia that a potential bout with Khamzat Chimaev was “on the table,” alongside a rematch with Sean Strickland. Chimaev’s dominant performance at UFC 308, which saw him leap to #3 in the rankings, reignited fan excitement and raised questions about whether a fight with the Chechen phenom was truly in the cards for Du Plessis, or if Strickland had always been the priority.

DDP’s coach, Niel Geyser, addressed these questions in a recent interview on the Hack Check podcast. While providing some clarity, Geyser remained cryptic, noting that these discussions were largely happening behind closed doors. “As far as my understanding goes, you [the UFC] offered that fight to Strickland—the Dricus fight—after Khamzat had a good performance against Whittaker,” Geyser explained.

He did acknowledge that Strickland, who thrives in exciting matchups, would still love to face opponents capable of delivering a thrilling fight. Chimaev, with his relentless style, is certainly someone who can provide that challenge. However, Geyser also clarified that, ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of Dana White and the UFC brass to make the fight happen.

As we look ahead to UFC 312, the question remains: will fans be buzzing with excitement for the upcoming matchup between Du Plessis and Strickland, or are they already looking beyond it, eager to see which fighter will go head-to-head with Chimaev next?