Islam Makhachev, the reigning pound-for-pound king, suggests that Sean Strickland would present a more formidable challenge to Khamzat Chimaev than Dricus du Plessis did. Chimaev, the middleweight champion, is set to face his former training partner and now fierce rival, Strickland, in his first title defense at UFC 328.
Makhachev shared his insights in an interview with Red Corner MMA, stating that Chimaev’s dominant wrestling performance against du Plessis at UFC 319, which saw 12 takedowns and over 21 minutes of control, might not be replicated against Strickland. While Makhachev anticipates that Strickland may be taken down, he believes Chimaev will struggle to maintain control for extended periods.
“Unlike Dricus du Plessis, who was lying on his back and couldn’t get up, I think Strickland will be working his way up, getting up and fighting back,” Makhachev explained. “Strickland is a bit of an unhinged guy. He’s taken a lot of punishment throughout his career. I met him in person, and we talked… they all act normally when you talk in person, yet when the camera starts rolling, they can’t hold themselves back.”
The sentiment that Strickland possesses superior takedown defense and could pose a significant threat if the fight reaches the later rounds is shared by many within the MMA community. They believe his ability to survive and fight back could be key to potentially dethroning Chimaev.
English Translation:
Islam Makhachev, the pound-for-pound king, believes Sean Strickland would be a much tougher opponent for Khamzat Chimaev than Dricus du Plessis. Middleweight champion “Borz” will make his first title defense at UFC 328, facing former training partner-turned-arch-rival Strickland.
Makhachev is of the opinion that Khamzat Chimaev won’t be able to overpower Sean Strickland with grappling in the same manner he did against Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev dethroned du Plessis last year at UFC 319 in a fight where he executed 12 takedowns and held control for 21 minutes and 40 seconds. However, Makhachev anticipates that against “Tarzan,” Chimaev’s wrestling dominance will be less pronounced. Speaking to Red Corner MMA, the Russian stated that while Strickland might be taken down, Chimaev will likely struggle to keep him there for long.
“Unlike Dricus du Plessis, who was lying on his back and couldn’t get up, I think Strickland will be working his way up, getting up and fighting back,” Makhachev said. “Strickland is a bit of an unhinged guy. He’s taken a lot of hits throughout his career. I met him in person and we talked… they all act normal when you talk in person, yet when the camera starts rolling they can’t hold themselves back.”
Many in the MMA community have suggested that Strickland possesses better takedown defense and that if he can extend the fight into the championship rounds, the controversial American has a strong chance of defeating “Borz.”