Former foe says first round will be critical in UFC 328 main event

Dricus Du Plessis ’ opinion certainly holds water when it comes to Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland . Chimaev is set to put his middleweight title on the line against Strickland in the main event at UFC 328 on May 9 at Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Having shared the Octagon with both Chimaev and Strickland, Du Plessis recently broke down how the fight might play out.

While Du Plessis doesn’t doubt that Strickland will be taken down, he believes the American is physically stronger than Chimaev and has the skills to return to his feet. While Chimaev hits hard, Du Plessis believes he is too predictable to catch someone like Strickland, who is known for his defense, with a lucky shot. According to Du Plessis, if Strickland gets up more than a couple of times in the first two rounds, the fight won’t go Chimaev’s way.

However, Du Plessis thinks Chimaev will dominate if he can control Strickland on the ground throughout the first round. “I know Khamzat’s going to get him down,” Du Plessis told Fight Forecast. “I’ve taken Strickland down so many times, I know Khamzat’s 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 is a strong guy, a lot stronger than Khamzat, physically. I think he is going to surprise some people.