What's next for the UFC's Middleweight Division?

With Robert Whittaker’s recent win over Jared Cannonier, the UFC’s Middleweight Division is in question. The majority of analysts and the champ himself Adesanya was calling for a title bout with Jared if he were to beat Rob. Personally, I never saw this happening. From my point of view, Robert Whittaker’s stand-up is was too refined and he is solid in every aspect. Yoel Romero had 10 rounds, 50 minutes to either knock Whittaker out or take him down, but Romero did neither. If Yoel Romero couldn’t put away Whittaker, Cannonnier shouldn’t be able to either, that’s how I saw it. Moreover, there is a match booked between Darren Till and Jack Hermansson which the UFC would have trouble selling as a number one contender bout as Till recently lost to Whittaker, and Hermansson was knocked out by Cannonier. So, does that mean Robert Whittaker is the only one left for Adesanya? Kelvin Gastellum is on a losing skid, Paolo Costa needs at least two wins before he can get another shot at the title. The one Darkhorse contender in this division is Khamzat Chimaev. But, even he is booked right now in a high key matchup with Leon Edwards at welterweight. I think the only thing that makes sense is to go up to Light Heavyweight and challenge Jan Blachowicz as that division also does not have a clear number one contender. If Adesanya can claim the Light Heavyweight strap, it perfectly sets up a super fight with Jon Jones.

In order to help clear up the Middleweight division, here are my matchups for the division:

¨ Edmen Shabazyan vs Kelvin Gastellum

¨ Paulo Costa vs Jared Cannonier

¨ Derrick Brunson vs winner of Till/Hermansson