Sean Strickland is back on top as the UFC middleweight champion, and the big question on everyone's mind is: who will be the first to challenge him for the belt? After his stunning upset victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 this past Saturday, the division is buzzing with possibilities.

Former UFC middleweight champion and current commentator Michael Bisping has an interesting take. While he acknowledges that top contender Nassourdine Imavov is the most deserving fight based on rankings, Bisping is floating a more exciting name: Joe Pyfer. "If you go with meritocracy, it should be Nassourdine Imavov, but you never know. Maybe they go with Joe Pyfer," Bisping shared on his YouTube channel.

For Bisping, it's about entertainment value. He points out that Pyfer, who fights out of Philadelphia, is on a four-fight winning streak and just stopped former champion Israel Adesanya in the second round back in March. "I want to see a fun fight," Bisping explained. "Nassourdine Imavov is the rightful next contender, but Joe Pyfer is a fight we haven't seen before."

The timing could be perfect too. With the UFC scheduled to return to Philadelphia for UFC 330 on August 15, a Strickland vs. Pyfer matchup would be a natural fit for the hometown crowd. "Put it in Philadelphia," Bisping said. "I wouldn't complain if the next fight is Sean Strickland vs. Joe Pyfer."

Pyfer, nicknamed "Bodybagz," has been turning heads with his recent performances. His only UFC loss came to Jack Hermansson, where he gassed out while chasing a knockout—a flaw he appears to have fixed. Now on a hot streak and coming off a statement win over Adesanya, Pyfer could be the fresh, fan-friendly challenge Strickland needs for his first title defense.

While Imavov may have the numbers on his side, Bisping's suggestion adds an intriguing layer to the middleweight title picture. In a sport where momentum and excitement often carry as much weight as rankings, don't be surprised if the UFC goes with the more electrifying option.