On Saturday night, the MMA world leaders return to Paramount+ with a new UFC Fight Night card, headlined by a huge matchup at middleweight. In the main event of the evening, former 185-pound champion Sean Strickland battles red-hot contender Anthony Hernandez to move one step closer to a title shot later this year.
In the end, the one-time titlist's striking game was too much for "Fluffy" and he earned his first finish in more than two and a half years. Let's take a look at how Strickland's win at UFC Fight Night Houston changed our latest UFC middleweight rankings.
10. Robert Whittaker (26-9)
Robert Whittaker will go down as one of the greatest UFC middleweights of all time. He is a former champion who holds numerous division records and has taken part in some of the best battles of all time. Unfortunately, the Australian has a lot of fight miles on his body, and it has taken its toll in recent years.
He is 3-4 in his last seven, the most recent of which was a tough split decision loss to former ONE star Rainier de Ridder. This setback probably puts an end to any thoughts of fighting for middleweight gold again before his UFC career is over.
9. Reinier de Ridder (21-3)
Reinier de Ridder was a hidden gem in MMA as he rose to fame during impressive performances in ONE Championship, winning titles in two divisions. While some doubted how good he could be in the sport's top promotion, he calmed those concerns with four major wins inside the Octagon, including a decision victory over division veteran Robert Whittaker.
However, when swimming in top 10 waters, sharks are always around the corner, and that was the case at UFC Vancouver. Although he looked good early on, the Dutch fighter's grappling talent was overtaken by Brendan Allen's cardio and good athleticism. His first UFC loss came after his corner was surprisingly injured after round 4.
8. Israel Adesanya (24-5)
Israel Adesanya is not only one of the best UFC middleweights of all time, but when all is said and done, he will be viewed as one of the greatest fighters of his era. His place in UFC history is sealed, and he is guaranteed a Hall-of-Famer. But "Father Time" comes for us all, and that has been the case for the former champion over the past few years.
After his championship loss in 2024, there were hopes that he could bounce back with a win over rising star Nasourdin Imavov. But in February he looked to have taken a step back and it was evident when he suffered a KO loss for the second time in his MMA career. He hasn't fought since and is slowly slipping down our top 10.
7. Brendan Allen (26-7)
Brendan Allen was fired up and looking set for a title shot after seven consecutive wins. However, he was given a schedule against the best at 185, and suffered tough losses to Anthony Hernandez and Nasourdin Imov.
However, he has come roaring back ever since. At UFC 318, he scored a hard-fought victory over former title challenger Marvin Vettori. Then at UFC Vancouver, he submitted to red-hot Reinier de Ridder because he couldn't match his cardio output. Now it is on the verge of reaching the American top five.
6. Anthony Hernandez (15-3)
Anthony Hernandez has quietly become one of the best middleweights in the world. After losing two of his first three and being on the brink of being cut, "Fluffy" rattled off eight consecutive wins, including over Brendan Allen and Roman Dolidze.
His toughest test to date came in February when he faced former division king Sean Strickland. Unfortunately, the former champ completely shut down his wrestling game and laid him to the ground. This is the second knockout defeat of his career. Although he has broken into our top 10, he still remains a tough contender for even the best in the division.
5. Caio Boralho (17-1)
Caio Borralho is one of the fastest rising fighters in the UFC's middleweight division. After two wins at the Contender Series, the Brazilian made it seven consecutive wins inside the Octagon, including a win over Jared Cannonier at UFC Vegas 96. However, his hot streak was halted in September when it looked like he was a level below top contender Nasourdin Imavov. It was a major blow, but the Brazilian remains an elite talent even at the age of 185.
4. Nasourdin Imavov (16-4)
Nasourdin Imavov has been coming off a very poor run over the past year, which makes him fully deserving of a title opportunity in his next fight. He is undefeated in his last five fights and has wins over several top-10 fighters, including middleweight veteran Israel Adesanya. In September, he got another main event opportunity and defeated fastest rising star Caio Boralho. Arguably, this was his most impressive victory to date.
3.Drics du Plessis (23-3)
Dricas du Plessis has put South African MMA on the map during his career in the UFC. The middleweight star has been victorious in every one of his UFC fights and has defeated champions and veterans on his way to becoming a pound-for-pound fighter. However, he got his match in Chimaev at UFC 319. After dominating "Borz", the former champion may have to win a fight or two to get another shot at the belt.
2. Shawn Strickland (30-7) – Top Contender
Wildman Sean Strickland may not be the brightest fighter in UFC middleweight history, but he has consistently proven to be a tough test for the world's best, which is why he proved many doubters wrong by winning UFC gold in 2023.
Although he has had some ups and downs since that victory at UFC 293, including losing the belt in his first title defense, he may have locked up another shot at the belt after scoring a dominant TKO victory over Anthony Hernandez. "Fluffy"'s eight-fight win streak ends.
1. Khamzat Chimaev (15-0) – Champion
Khamzat Chimaev Train has reached the top of the mountain after a stellar performance in the Octagon. “Borz” has become one of the most popular stars in the sport, but he got his chance at UFC 319 to prove he is one of the best. And he did so by dominating former middleweight king Dricus du Plessis. The Chechen is an absolute monster and one of the scariest fighters on the planet.
