Dricus du Plessis, who has faced both Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, shared his insights on the upcoming UFC 328 middleweight title bout. According to du Plessis, Strickland possesses a physical strength that surpasses Chimaev’s.
In a recent interview, du Plessis emphasized the crucial nature of the opening round. “I know he’s going to get Sean Strickland down, but keeping him there is the big question,” he stated, highlighting Strickland’s physical prowess. “Strickland’s a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level. I think he’s going to surprise some people.”
Du Plessis also pointed to Strickland’s endurance as a potential advantage later in the fight. He suggested that if Chimaev is forced to engage in Strickland’s preferred fighting style, his chances might diminish. “We’ve seen Strickland’s cardio, once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I don’t think he has much of a chance,” du Plessis explained. He added that Chimaev’s striking, while powerful, can be predictable. “Khamzat throws hard and kicks hard, but not scary hard, and he’s a bit predictable, you can see the shots coming.” Du Plessis concluded that the first five minutes would be indicative of how the fight would unfold.
Chimaev, known for his freestyle wrestling takedowns and ground control, holds an undefeated record. Strickland, on the other hand, has proven his striking ability and durability in previous bouts.
English Translation:
Dricus du Plessis, who has faced both Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, shared his insights on the upcoming UFC 328 middleweight title bout. According to du Plessis, Strickland possesses a physical strength that surpasses Chimaev’s.
In a recent interview, du Plessis emphasized the crucial nature of the opening round. “I know he’s going to get Sean Strickland down, but keeping him there is the big question,” he stated, highlighting Strickland’s physical prowess. “Strickland’s a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level. I think he’s going to surprise some people.”
Du Plessis also pointed to Strickland’s endurance as a potential advantage later in the fight. He suggested that if Chimaev is forced to engage in Strickland’s preferred fighting style, his chances might diminish. “We’ve seen Strickland’s cardio; once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I don’t think he has much of a chance,” du Plessis explained. He added that Chimaev’s striking, while powerful, can be predictable. “Khamzat throws hard and kicks hard, but not scary hard, and he’s a bit predictable; you can see the shots coming.” Du Plessis concluded that the first five minutes would be indicative of how the fight would unfold.
Chimaev, known for his freestyle wrestling takedowns and ground control, holds an undefeated record. Strickland, on the other hand, has proven his striking ability and durability in previous bouts.