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Sorry, Strickland! Dana White opens Whittaker vs. Chimaev winner to secure next middleweight title shot | UFC 308

Sean Strickland is full of expectation to get the next shot at UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, but things could change after Robert Whittaker fights Khamzat Chimaev tomorrow afternoon (Sat. Oct. 26, 2024). UFC 308 live on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This weekend's five-round main event fight between Whittaker and Chimaev is one of the most hyped fights of the year. The two middleweights were supposed to headline UFC Saudi Arabia this summer, but “Borz” ended up being it violently ill and was forced to retreat. Fight fans had to wait four more months to see the 185-pound fight, but we're finally here.

Of course, Saturday's middleweight affair could present UFC matchmakers with difficult decisions if Whittaker or Khamzat win in dramatic fashion. With UFC 308 being one of the busiest cards of the year and fight fans tending to see the hot hand, Whittaker and Chimaev both have a chance to dominate and push for the middleweight title shot next time out.

This would be a difficult situation for Strickland, considering the former UFC middleweight king is already anticipating his rematch against Du Plessis, who defeated Strickland via split decision at UFC 297 last January to capture the belt. Since then, Du Plessis has defended the 185-pound title with a submission finish over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August.

White, who never likes to play matchmaker right before or right after a big PPV event, left the door open for Whittaker or Chimaev to steal Strickland's next title shot if they impress in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Check it out below:

“Let’s see how the fight goes,” White told Main Event TV. “We'll have to wait and see how it turns out before we start talking about jump lines and who would take the title next…”

“In this department [Whittaker vs Chimaev] is the worst fight you can fight right now. Whoever wins, it’s a good thing for them.”

LIVE! Watch UFC 308 PPV on ESPN+ here!

“FIGHT ISLAND” KRAKER! 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 bout between the newly crowned Kingpin, Ilia Topuriawho defends his title for the first time against the former division god, Max Holloway. UFC 308's pay-per-view (PPV) co-headliner is the former middleweight champion Robert Whittakerwill compete against the often injured (and sick). Khamzat Chimaevwith the winner moving one step closer to a future 185-pound title shot. UFC 308 will also feature a decisive 205-pound showdown between the two Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakicthe return of One-Eyed Shara Magomedov and much more! UFC 308The start time is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (preliminary round card) and 2 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

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MMAmania.com delivers LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 308 fight card RIGHT HEREstarting with the early one ESPN+ “Prelims” matches at 10:00 a.m. ET, followed by the UFC 308 PPV main card start time at 2:00 p.m. ET ESPN+.

To read the latest and greatest news and notes on UFC 308: “Topuria vs. Holloway,” be sure to check out our comprehensive event archive Here. For the full UFC 308 fight card and PPV lineup click here Here.

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