Sean Strickland is well-acquainted with both fighters headlining UFC 319.
In what is anticipated to be one of the biggest fights of the year, UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is set to defend his title against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev on August 16 in Chicago.
Both Du Plessis and Chimaev hold perfect records in the UFC, each bringing a unique skill set to the octagon.
South Africa`s Du Plessis employs an unconventional yet highly effective style, demonstrating well-rounded skills from grappling to unorthodox striking. He has secured finishes against notable opponents like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya, and holds two decision victories over Sean Strickland himself.
Across the cage, Chimaev is known for his formidable wrestling. Early in his UFC career, he earned quick finishes. More recently, he has defeated former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.
With UFC 319 still months away, predictions for the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev clash are already emerging.
Sean Strickland Predicts Dricus du Plessis to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev
Former UFC Middleweight Champion Strickland, who has trained with Chimaev and faced Du Plessis twice (losing both title bouts), offered his perspective. Despite his personal history with both athletes, Strickland believes Du Plessis has the potential to be the first fighter to hand Chimaev a loss at UFC 319.
Discussing Chimaev`s grappling, Strickland stated that while he, himself, often found ways to counter-wrestle similar opponents, the crucial factor for Du Plessis will be his ability to defend takedowns and counter-grapple effectively.
“If he can, I think he wins, hands down,” Strickland remarked about Du Plessis` chances. He added, based on his sparring experience with Chimaev, that stopping Chimaev`s wrestling is “not hard” and that the outcome hinges on Du Plessis` defense and counter-wrestling capability.
Michael Bisping Raises Concern Over Khamzat Chimaev`s Five-Round Readiness
Another former UFC Middleweight Champion, Michael Bisping, also weighed in, highlighting a potential challenge for the undefeated Chimaev: fighting over five rounds. Chimaev has never gone the championship distance of 25 minutes, with his longest fights reaching the judges` scorecards against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Bisping noted that Chimaev appeared somewhat fatigued in those three-round decisions, suggesting the win over Usman was particularly close. While acknowledging Chimaev as a “phenomenal,” “freak of nature,” and highly effective wrestler and finisher, Bisping expressed doubt about how his cardio will hold up over five championship rounds against Du Plessis.
Despite this concern, Bisping reiterated Chimaev`s reputation as a top-tier finisher in mixed martial arts.
Gareth Pendleton