Dricus Du Plessis explains how Sean Strickland can beat Chimaev

TL;DR

Dricus Du Plessis believes Sean Strickland can defeat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. The fight is highly anticipated due to the intense rivalry between the two fighters.

Key points

Dricus Du Plessis believes Sean Strickland can win
UFC 328 features a major grudge match
Tensions between Strickland and Chimaev are high
UFC has enforced strict safety measures

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Having fought both men, Dricus Du Plessis is confident that Sean Strickland will come out on top against Khamzat Chimaev.

This Saturday’s UFC 328 main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland has been billed as one of the sport’s biggest grudge matches since Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Conor McGregor.

In the build-up to their clash, tensions have soared, forcing the UFC to put strict measures in place throughout fight week to prevent any incidents that could threaten the bout.

Du Plessis backs Strickland to cause an upset against Chimaev

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Du Plessis has faced both men in the octagon, defeating Strickland twice before losing his title to Chimaev in a one-sided bout. Despite that, he still sees a path for Strickland to come out on top.

While most fans aren’t giving Strickland much of a shot, Du Plessis thinks the former champion is being overlooked.

“The first round is gonna tell us so much about this fight,” Du Plessis told Fight Forecast.

“I know Khamzat’s gonna get him down, I’ve taken Strickland down so many times, I know Khamzat’s gonna get him down but to keep him there, that’s gonna be the big question because Strickland’s ability to get up, he’s a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat.

“I think (Strickland) is gonna surprise people. If Strickland gets up two or three times in that first round, it’s not gonna get any easier for Chimaev… Once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I just don’t think (Chimaev) has a chance.”

Chimaev will likely look to take advantage of any openings on the ground. In over 12 years with the UFC, no one has seriously threatened Strickland with submissions. But ‘Borz’ might see this as his opportunity to break new ground against him.

But as Dricus said earlier in his interview, if Chimaev can hold Strickland down for an extended period of time in the opening five minutes and tire him out early like he did against Robert Whittaker and himself during their championship fight at UFC 297 earlier this year… It could end up being another long night for Sean.

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Q&A

How can Sean Strickland beat Khamzat Chimaev according to Dricus Du Plessis?

Dricus Du Plessis suggests that Sean Strickland has the skills and strategy needed to come out on top against Khamzat Chimaev.

What is the significance of the UFC 328 main event between Strickland and Chimaev?

The UFC 328 main event is considered one of the biggest grudge matches in recent history, drawing comparisons to the famous Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor fight.

What measures has the UFC taken to ensure safety during the Strickland vs. Chimaev fight week?

The UFC has implemented strict measures throughout fight week to prevent any incidents that could jeopardize the bout due to the heightened tensions between the fighters.