Sean Strickland fully expects to get his next shot against UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, but things could change after Robert Whittaker fights Khamzat Chimaev tomorrow afternoon (Sat., October 26, 2024) at UFC 308 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view – Watch (PPV) from inside Etihad Stadium in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
This weekend’s five-round co-main event between Whittaker and Chimaev is one of the most exciting fights of the year. The middleweight duo were supposed to headline the UFC Saudi Championship this summer, but “Bowers” fell seriously ill and had to withdraw. Fight fans had to wait an additional four months to see the 185-pound bout, but it’s finally here.
Of course, the middleweight affair on Saturday could present some tough decisions for the UFC’s matchmakers if either Whittaker or Khamzat wins in dramatic fashion. With UFC 308 being one of the most stacked cards over the years and fight fans tend to see the hot hand, both Whittaker and Chimaev have the opportunity to dominate and push for the middleweight title next time out.
This will be a tough situation for Strickland given that the former UFC middleweight king is already anticipating a rematch with Du Plessis, who defeated Strickland by split decision at UFC 297 last January to win the belt. Du Plessis has since defended the 185-pound belt with a submission finish over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August.
White, who never likes to play matchmaker immediately before and after a big PPV event, left the door open for Whittaker or Chimaev to steal the next title shot from Strickland if they impress this weekend in Abu Dhabi. Check it below:
Dana White was asked if he thinks the winner of Whittaker vs. Chimaev can cross the line over Sean Strickland for the middleweight title:
“Let’s see how the battle ends. We have to see how things go before we start talking about jumping lines and who gets next… pic.twitter.com/Zo2tMfcWdt
– Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 24, 2024
“Let’s see how the fight goes,” White told Main Event TV. “We have to see how things go before we start talking about jumping the lines and who will get the next title…
“In this section [Whittaker vs Chimaev] It’s the worst fight you can have right now. Whoever wins, good for him.”
He lives! Watch UFC 308 PPV on ESPN+ here!
Firecrackers “Fight Island”! The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to Fight Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, with an exciting 145-pound championship showdown between the newly crowned leader, Elijah Topuria, in his first appearance – a title defense. Against the former god of the division, Max Holloway. In the pay-per-view (PPV) co-headline of UFC 308, former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, will face off against the oft-injured (and ailing) Khamzat Chimaev, with the winner moving one step closer to a future 185-pound title shot. Title shot. UFC 308 will also feature the pivotal 205lb showdown between Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic, the return of the one-eyed Chara Magomedov and much more! The start time for UFC 308 is scheduled for 10am ET (Prelims card) and 2pm ET (Main PPV card).
Don’t miss a single second of face-slamming EPIC action!
MMAmania.com will provide live round-by-round coverage of the entire UFC 308 fight card here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 10am ET, followed by the UFC 308 PPV main card start time at 2pm ET on ESPN+.
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 308: “Topuria vs. Holloway” news and notes be sure to access our comprehensive event archive here. For the full UFC 308 fight card and PPV lineup click here.