The main event of UFC Vancouver in October will pit Reinier de Ridder against Anthony “Fluffy” Hernandez, potentially offering a clue to Khamzat Chimaev ’s first challenger for the middleweight title.

Khamzat Chimaev Sends Strong Message to Doubters After Dominant UFC 319 Display originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Magomed Ankalaev’s coach, Sukhrab Magomedov, told Telecomasia.net in an exclusive interview that Khamzat Chimaev, the UFC middleweight titleholder, could likely compete in the light heavyweight division and that he would match up well against Alex Pereira.

Chael Sonnen includes Bo Nickal in his list of desired opponents for new UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev.

Dana White announced that Reinier de Ridder will face Anthony Hernandez on October 18, with the result of this matchup and the main event of UFC Paris next month being used to decide the next challenger. One of the four fighters in the running to challenge Chimaev has already started to have some thoughts about how he would prepare for such a task.

UFC Middleweight Champion Khamzat Chimaev may have his next opponent as soon as October 18. The promotion's fall schedule is continuing to take shape, and Tuesd

Whittaker, who was quickly submitted by Chimaev at UFC 308, went on to lose his second-straight fight to Reinier de Ridder (21-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) last month in the UFC on ABC 9 headliner. De Ridder was able to survive a Round 3 knockdown to outlast Whittaker.

Chimaev thrashed Dricus Du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 in Chicago, seizing the middleweight championship. As a result, Chimaev is making his debut in the ESPN pound-for-pound rankings. He was so impressive over the weekend that he surges right into the top five. For the ESPN divisional MMA rankings, click here.