Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is confident that current titleholder Dricus Du Plessis will defeat Khamzat Chimaev, potentially handing him the first loss of his career.
Speaking in an interview, Strickland discussed Chimaev`s wrestling prowess but believes the fight hinges on Du Plessis`s ability to counter it. “Chimaev is good at wrestling,” Strickland stated. “I`ve trained with guys like that for years, and I could usually counter and wrestle with them. I just don`t know if Dricus can handle his wrestling. But if he can, I think he`ll win easily.”
Strickland revealed he has previously sparred with Chimaev. “I definitely think Dricus will win,” he reiterated. “It all depends on whether he can stop Chimaev`s takedowns and counter-wrestle him, but it`s not that hard.”
Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev are currently scheduled to face each other on August 17 in Chicago, USA, headlining UFC 319.
