Dricus du Plessis, who has faced both Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, shared his insights on their upcoming UFC 328 middleweight title bout, suggesting that Strickland possesses superior physical strength.
Chimaev earned the middleweight championship by defeating du Plessis via unanimous decision at UFC 319. He holds an undefeated 15-0 record and will make his first title defense against Strickland. Strickland, with a record of 30-7, previously lost his title to du Plessis via split decision at UFC 297 and again via unanimous decision at UFC 312.
Du Plessis believes the initial phase of the fight will be crucial. He stated, “I know he’s going to get Sean Strickland down, but keeping him there is the big question.” Du Plessis emphasized Strickland’s physicality, remarking, “Strickland’s a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat on a physical level. I think he’s going to surprise some people.”
Furthermore, du Plessis highlighted Strickland’s endurance as a potential advantage later in the fight. “We’ve seen Strickland’s cardio, once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I don’t think he has much of a chance.” He also commented on Chimaev’s striking, noting, “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 round would likely set the tone for the entire contest.
Chimaev typically utilizes freestyle wrestling to secure takedowns and maintain top control, often followed by ground-and-pound or submission attempts. He has demonstrated significant striking power, including a 17-second knockout of Gerald Meerschaert. Against du Plessis, Chimaev successfully landed 12 of 17 takedown attempts.
Strickland, on the other hand, averages 6.04 significant strikes per minute with 42% accuracy and boasts a 60% striking defense, while successfully defending 76% of takedowns. In his victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302, Strickland outlanded his opponent significantly in strikes without any takedowns. His jab and counter-striking have proven effective in past bouts.
English Translation:
Dricus du Plessis, who has faced both Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland, shared his thoughts on their upcoming UFC 328 middleweight title clash. According to du Plessis, Strickland possesses greater physical strength than Chimaev.
Chimaev claimed the middleweight belt last August by defeating du Plessis via unanimous decision at UFC 319. He enters the fight with an undefeated 15-0 record for his first defense. Strickland, now 30-7, previously lost the title to du Plessis via split decision at UFC 297 and again via unanimous decision at UFC 312.
Du Plessis views the opening round as pivotal. He stated, “I know he’s going to get Sean Strickland down, but keeping him there is the big question.” He added, “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 highlighted Strickland’s stamina as a factor. “We’ve seen Strickland’s cardio; once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I don’t think he has much of a chance.” He characterized Chimaev’s attacks as predictable, saying, “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 initial five minutes would dictate the fight’s trajectory.
Chimaev typically relies on freestyle wrestling to achieve takedowns and control opponents on the ground, often aiming for ground-and-pound or submissions. He also possesses powerful striking, including a notable 17-second knockout. Against du Plessis, Chimaev successfully executed 12 of 17 takedown attempts.
Strickland maintains a high output of significant strikes, averaging 6.04 per minute with 42% accuracy, while demonstrating strong defensive capabilities with a 60% striking defense and 76% takedown defense. In his split-decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302, Strickland outlanded his opponent significantly in strikes without securing any takedowns. His jab and counter-striking have been key elements in his previous performances.
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