5 blockbuster fights to book in the UFC middleweight division

#2. Marvin Vettori vs. Robert Whittaker

Marvin Vettori is in a tough spot in the UFC middleweight division. 'The Italian Dream' has already lost to the champion, Israel Adesanya, twice. Despite his impressive victory over Paulo Costa in his most recent outing, Vettori is likely in need of a few more wins before challenging for gold again.

While there are a number of options available for Vettori, perhaps the most ideal is Robert Whittaker. Whittaker is coming off his second defeat to Adesanya. 'The Reaper' will be desperate to bounce back and return to title contention.

At the post-fight press conference following UFC 271, Whittaker revealed he would "stomp anyone in the way" in pursuit of another shot at middleweight gold.

Watch Robert Whittaker at the UFC 271 post-fight press conference below:

Both Vettori and Whittaker will likely need a few more wins before they get another shot at the middleweight championship. A bout between the two will likely be a title-eliminator fight. Additionally, the stylistic matchup is phenomenal.

With Adesanya having recently signed a new deal with the UFC, he is likely to stay atop the division for a long time to come. Can 'The Italian Dream' and 'The Reaper' edge one step closer to a trilogy bout with 'The Last Stylebender'? Time will tell. For now, this seems like the ideal fight to book.

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#1. Israel Adesanya vs. Jared Cannonier – For the UFC middleweight title

Jared Cannonier undoubtedly sealed the title shot with his incredible come-from-behind victory over Derek Brunson at UFC 271. 'The Killa Gorilla' knocked out the MMA veteran in devastating fashion and demanded a shot at gold following his spectacular victory.

Dana White, at the post-fight press conference, confirmed that Cannonier is likely next in line to fight the champion, Israel Adesanya.

Adesanya, in his post-fight interview following his win over Robert Whittaker, acknowledged that Cannonier is now the No.1 contender at 185 lbs. The Kiwi called for a fight in June against the surging American. He said:

"I know June doesn't have a pay-per-view yet but, like I said, I'm the new dog in the yard. I'm the big dog in the yard now. And I know the other dog Jared Cannonier just did some work tonight so, I'm p*ssing in this cage next time in June, watch me!"

Israel Adesanya will be more than happy to fight someone he hasn't previously fought before. Jared Cannonier will present a unique threat to 'The Last Stylebender' when the duo eventually lock horns. Considering both fighters' preference to keep the fight on the feet, their bout will definitely produce fireworks.