Dricus du Plessis believes a lot of people may be underestimating Sean Strickland heading into his title clash with Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.
Chimaev enters Saturday’s main event at the Prudential Center in Newark as a sizable betting favorite while preparing for the first defense of the middleweight belt he captured from Du Plessis at UFC 319 last year.
But despite losing his title to “Borz”, Du Plessis isn’t convinced the matchup is as one-sided as many expect.
Speaking during an appearance on Fight Forecast, “Stillknocks” explained why he believes the opening round could determine everything.
“The first round is going to tell us so much about this fight,” Du Plessis said. “I know Khamzat is going to get him down. I’ve taken Strickland down so many times. I know Khamzat is going to get him down, but to keep him there? That’s going to be the big question.”
Du Plessis Gives Strickland Surprising Edge Over Chimaev At UFC 328
Having spent extended time inside the cage with both men, Du Plessis offered an unexpected assessment when comparing their physicality.
“Because Strickland’s ability to get up, the technique he uses, the strength he has. He’s a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level,” Du Plessis said. “I think he’s going to surprise some people.”
The South African believes Strickland’s cardio and defensive style could become major factors if the fight extends beyond the early grappling exchanges.
“If Strickland gets up two or three times in the first round, it’s not going to get easier with the sweat and the fatigue, trying to keep a guy down that gets up,” he said. “It uses a lot more energy than the guy getting up.”