Former middleweight champion Sean Strickland has unique insight into the two fighters set to headline UFC 319.
Scheduled for August 16 in Chicago, the highly anticipated main event will see UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis make his third title defense against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. This matchup is widely considered one of the most significant fights of the year.
Both Du Plessis and Chimaev boast perfect records within the UFC, bringing distinct and effective fighting styles to the Octagon.
Du Plessis, from South Africa, is known for his unconventional yet highly effective approach, demonstrating strong skills across the board, including grappling and unpredictable striking. He has secured finishes against top opponents like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya and holds two decision victories over Sean Strickland.
Across from him stands Chimaev, a formidable force with elite wrestling. Chimaev famously finished two opponents within a span of just 10 days early in his UFC career and has recently secured victories over former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.
With UFC 319 still months away, predictions for the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev clash are already emerging.
Sean Strickland Picks Dricus du Plessis to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319
Sean Strickland, who previously held the UFC Middleweight title, has trained with Chimaev and has faced Du Plessis twice, losing both championship bouts across 10 rounds at UFC 297 and UFC 312.
Unlike Darren Till, another fighter with connections to both Du Plessis and Chimaev, Strickland predicts that Du Plessis will hand Chimaev his first professional defeat at UFC 319.
“They can grapple,” Strickland commented on Chimaev during an interview with Helen Yee. He added, “Someone like me, I’ve been training these guys for years, I usually could counter-wrestle and grapple them.”
Strickland expressed some doubt about Du Plessis`s ability to replicate this but ultimately leaned towards the South African fighter.
“So, I just don’t know if Dricus can be able to counter-wrestle him. But if he can, I think he wins, hands down,” Strickland stated. He reiterated, “I sparred the Chechen… Hands down, I think Dricus wins. It’s just gonna come down to—are you gonna be able to stop that [takedown] and counter-wrestle him?”
Interestingly, Strickland also suggested stopping Chimaev`s wrestling is achievable, saying, “You can. It’s not hard.”
Michael Bisping Highlights Five-Round Duration as a Challenge for Khamzat Chimaev
Adding another perspective, former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping believes the undefeated Chimaev could face difficulties against Dricus du Plessis, particularly concerning the fight`s length.
UFC 319`s main event is scheduled for five rounds, a duration Chimaev has never experienced in his career. He has only gone the distance twice in three-round fights against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
Referring to those bouts, Bisping noted that Chimaev “got a little bit tired.” He also commented on the Usman fight, stating, “Against Kamaru Usman, he was kind of lucky to get that decision.”
Bisping clarified his stance: “I’m not talking trash about Khamzat Chimaev. I think he’s phenomenal, but I think he’s got some problems going five rounds against Dricus du Plessis.”
“We’ve never seen him go five rounds,” Bisping emphasized, acknowledging the unknown factor of Chimaev`s endurance over championship rounds.
However, Bisping was quick to praise Chimaev`s finishing ability: “But, we do know the man is a finisher. He is a phenom. He’s a freak of nature. He’s a great wrestler.”
Concluding his analysis, Bisping stated, “He may not have the accolades of a Bo Nickal, but holy crap, when it comes to being effective, Khamzat Chimaev is right up there. He’s one of the best finishers that we have in mixed martial arts right now.”
Gareth Tenby