The middleweight division is poised for some exciting changes, with several key matchups on the horizon. One notable potential outcome, besides Imavov‘s victory over adesanya, is de Ridder’s hard-fought decision win over Whittake, arguably the most important non-championship result this year. The Dutchman has made a strong impression, securing four wins in eight months, positioning him potentially one win away from a title shot. He could achieve this with a victory over Hernandez in Vancouver.

Anthony Hernandez is rapidly gaining momentum. Since his defeat against Kevin Holland in May 2020, “Fluffy” has been on a remarkable run.Over the past five years, he has accumulated eight wins, six finishes, and four performance bonuses. his recent victory over Roman Dolidze has solidified his reputation among fans. Known for his relentless stamina, constant pressure, and tenacity, Hernandez is becoming a fan favorite. Another significant win could elevate him to title contender status. He has the possibility to do just that when he faces de ridder in a main event clash in Vancouver this October.

While Carlos Prates, Jean Silva, and Mauricio Ruffy have been making headlines recently, it’s crucial to remember Borralho‘s role in initiating the “Fighting Nerd” hype. as earning his contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in October 2021, Borralho has maintained a perfect record through seven appearances in the Octagon, with his latest two wins being especially impressive. These include a knockout win in Brazil over paul Craig at UFC 301 and a Fight of the Night decision win over Cannonier. “The Natural” is now set to face Imavov, presenting him with a significant opportunity to enter the title picture. A win could potentially led to a future matchup against Chimaev.