Carlos Barreto: Israel Adesanya Controls UFC Middleweight Title Picture

Dricus Du Plessis' contested victory over Sean Strickland in the UFC 297 headliner left the immediate future of the middleweight division uncertain.

According to UFC Fight Pass Brazil commentator Carlos Barreto, Dana White should make an immediate rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland.

“You can’t say it was a robbery, the fight was really very competitive, but in my [view], and Demian Maia agreed with me, Strickland won four rounds — clearly 3 rounds — so the fairest thing would be an immediate rematch,” Barreto said on his weekly YouTube program Papo de Luta.

While offering live commentary of the fight with Maia, Barreto gave Rounds 1,2,3 and 5 to Strickland.

“When I came home I saw the fight again,” he said. “I could accept Dricus winning the third round. But Rounds 1, 2 and 5 were clear for Strickland. Anyway, it was a very tough match and an immediate rematch would be really fair in my personal view.”

Shortly after the event, White stated that an immediate rematch is unlikely. If that is the case, Barreto sees Israel Adesanya as the next logical choice to challenge for the middleweight belt.

“I would say the middleweight division is in Adesanya’s hands. He is the conductor of that orchestra,” Barreto said. “If he decides to return now, I have no doubt that he will have total priority, not only because he is a former champion with legendary status in the division, but also because he already has a rivalry with Dricus.

“Actually, Sean got the title when agreed to step in for Dricus on short notice and beat Israel [at UFC 293]. [Robert] Whittaker was just knocked out by Dricus, so it wouldn't make sense to have a rematch now [if he beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298]. But if [Costa] wins, it could be a good second option. But it all depends on Adesanya's decision. If he wants to come back, he will certainly have priority. That's the fight the fans want to see.”