Dricus Du Plessis sees major upset potential in the UFC 328 main event, predicting underdog Sean Strickland could push Khamzat Chimaev in their headline clash at the Prudential Center in Newark on Sat. night (May 9).
Du Plessis, who has shared the Octagon with both men, says he gives the physical edge to Strickland and expects the opening frame to be crucial. "The first round is going to tell us so much about this fight," he 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. 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. I think he’s going to surprise some people. 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. It uses a lot more energy than the guy getting up."
Du Plessis also pointed to Strickland’s gas tank, saying, "Strickland has the cardio, we’ve seen that," and framed the stylistic battle as pivotal: "Once Khamzat has to fight Strickland’s fight, I just don’t think he has a chance."
Du Plessis has history with both fighters, having defeated Strickland at UFC 297 and again at UFC 312, and dropping a decision to Chimaev at UFC 319.
