Morning Report: Dricus du Plessis explains why Sean Strickland is so hard to fight, thinks Nassourdine Imavov loses rematch

Dricus du Plessis, who has fought Sean Strickland twice at middleweight and holds two victories over the current UFC champion, offered detailed analysis of what makes Strickland such a formidable competitor—particularly his ability to neutralize wrestling and control pace. Speaking on Fight Forecast, du Plessis broke down Strickland's victory over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, an upset that saw Strickland capture the middleweight title after du Plessis had lost it to Chimaev.

Du Plessis emphasized Strickland's wrestling defense and cardiovascular conditioning as key strengths. "He's always been a great wrestler," du Plessis said. "I took him down, I think seven times, but to hold him down is very, very hard." He credited Strickland's approach against Chimaev—maintaining offensive output while absorbing pressure—as the decisive factor. When Chimaev exhausted himself attempting takedowns and submission, Strickland forced him into a striking battle where the champion thrived. "Strickland is very good on the ground, especially defensively," du Plessis noted, adding that Strickland's relentless forward pressure and defensive discipline make him nearly impossible to stylistically outmaneuver.

Regarding Strickland's likely first title defense against Nassourdine Imavov—the two fought once before in 2023 at light heavyweight, with Strickland winning via unanimous decision—du Plessis predicted a similar outcome. Imavov, currently riding a five-fight win streak capped by a knockout of former champion Israel Adesanya, has earned the rematch opportunity. However, du Plessis believes Imavov's style, built on lateral movement and counterstriking similar to Adesanya's, plays directly into Strickland's hands. "Strickland's going to walk forward; Imavov has this style of hitting and running," du Plessis explained. "With Strickland, he goes forward. That pressure, you just can't let that guy go forward." Du Plessis predicted another Strickland victory, forecasting "And Still!"