What's Happening?
The UFC middleweight division is gearing up for a series of significant fights that could reshape the rankings and title contention. This Saturday, Roman Dolidze, ranked No. 9, will face Anthony Hernandez, ranked No. 10, at UFC APEX in Las Vegas. Dolidze is on a three-fight win streak, having defeated Anthony Smith, Kevin Holland, and avenged a loss against Marvin Vettori. Hernandez, on the other hand, has won seven consecutive fights since his 2020 loss to Kevin Holland. Both fighters are eager to establish themselves as top contenders in the division. Additionally, former title challenger Jared Cannonier will fight Michael 'Venom' Page, who is transitioning to middleweight after competing at 170 pounds. Cannonier recently secured a win over Gregory Rodrigues, earning a Fight of the Night bonus.
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Why It's Important?
These upcoming fights are crucial for the middleweight division as they could determine future title challengers. With Dolidze and Hernandez both on impressive winning streaks, their bout could propel the victor closer to a title shot. Cannonier's fight against Page is also significant, as Cannonier seeks to regain his status as a top contender after mixed results following his title challenge against Israel Adesanya in 2022. The outcomes of these fights will impact the division's hierarchy and could lead to new matchups for the championship, influencing the strategies and preparations of fighters aiming for the title.
What's Next?
Following these fights, the middleweight division will likely see shifts in rankings and potential matchups for the title. The winner of Dolidze vs. Hernandez could be positioned for a high-profile fight against a top-ranked opponent, possibly leading to a title shot. Cannonier's performance against Page will determine his standing in the division and his chances of challenging for the title again. The results will also influence the matchmaking decisions for upcoming events, as the UFC aims to maintain competitive and engaging fights for fans.
