Sean Strickland, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, is well-acquainted with both fighters set to headline the main event at UFC 319.
In a highly anticipated matchup, current UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis will defend his belt for the third time against undefeated challenger Khamzat Chimaev (14-0). The fight is scheduled for August 16th in Chicago.
Both du Plessis and Chimaev boast perfect records within the UFC and bring distinct skill sets to the Octagon.
South Africa`s Du Plessis employs an unconventional yet highly effective style, showcasing well-rounded abilities from his grappling to his unorthodox striking. He holds stoppage victories over notable opponents like Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya and has earned decision wins against Sean Strickland himself (twice).
Across from him, Chimaev is a formidable force in the wrestling department. Known for his dominant ground game, Chimaev once famously finished two opponents in just 10 days. His recent victories include wins 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 Favors Dricus du Plessis to Defeat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319
Former middleweight kingpin Strickland has unique insight, having previously trained with Chimaev and having fought du Plessis for a combined 10 rounds in their two championship encounters at UFC 297 and UFC 312, both resulting in losses for Strickland.
Unlike Darren Till, who also trained with Chimaev and fought du Plessis, Strickland`s prediction leans towards du Plessis, believing he will be the first fighter to hand Chimaev a professional loss at UFC 319.
Speaking with Helen Yee, Strickland commented on Chimaev`s grappling prowess: “They can grapple.”
“Someone like me, I’ve been training these [guys] for years, I usually could counter-wrestle and grapple them,” Strickland explained.
“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.”
“I sparred the Chechen,” Strickland added. “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?”
Strickland believes it`s possible: “You can. It’s not hard.”
Michael Bisping Raises Concern About Khamzat Chimaev`s Five-Round Capacity
Despite Chimaev`s impressive finishing ability, another former UFC Middleweight Champion, Michael Bisping, suggests the undefeated fighter might face challenges against Dricus du Plessis, particularly concerning the duration of the fight.
UFC 319`s main event is scheduled for five championship rounds, a distance Chimaev has never reached in his professional career. Chimaev has only gone the distance twice, in three-round bouts against Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
“He got a little bit tired,” Bisping noted regarding Chimaev`s fights with Burns and Usman.
“Against Kamaru Usman, he was kind of lucky to get that decision.”
“I’m not talking [negatively] 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 reiterated.
“But, we do know the man is a finisher,” Bisping acknowledged about Chimaev.
“He is a phenom. He’s a freak of nature. He’s a great wrestler.”
“He may not have the accolades of a Bo Nickal, but holy [cow], 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.”
