Few fighters understand Sean Strickland’s style better than Dricus du Plessis. The South African has spent 50 minutes inside the Octagon with him across two UFC title fights.That Dricus du Plessis Sean Strickland experience shapes his view of the middleweight champion’s next likely challenge. Du Plessis believes Strickland’s unusual style makes him extremely difficult to beat, and he expects Nassourdine Imavov to struggle again in a rematch.
Dricus du Plessis Explains Why Strickland Is So Difficult
Dricus du Plessis 24-3-0 knows Strickland presents problems that can look deceptively simple from outside the cage. His pressure, defensive awareness and constant forward movement force opponents to fight at his preferred pace.
Du Plessis explained that Strickland does not necessarily overwhelm opponents with explosive techniques. Instead, his style makes fighters uncomfortable and limits their ability to establish their own game. That experience came from two title fights, which Du Plessis won to build a 2-0 record against Strickland.
Strickland’s Style Looks Simpler Than It Really Is
Sean Strickland 31-7-0 relies heavily on fundamental boxing, pressure and his distinctive defensive shell. Opponents often know what he intends to do, but stopping that approach has proven much harder.
His ability to maintain a steady pace also creates problems across five rounds. Fighters who cannot disrupt his rhythm risk spending long stretches reacting instead of creating offense. Du Plessis believes that consistency is a major reason Strickland remains difficult to solve despite having such a recognizable style.
Du Plessis Picks Strickland to Beat Imavov Again
Nassourdine Imavov 17-4-0, 1 NC appears positioned for another opportunity against Strickland. Du Plessis expects the champion to win if the UFC finalizes their middleweight title fight.
Strickland and Imavov already met in January 2023. Strickland accepted that fight on short notice and moved to light heavyweight, yet still earned a unanimous decision. Their circumstances would be significantly different in a five-round championship rematch at 185 pounds.
Du Plessis believes those changes will not necessarily produce a different winner. Strickland already understands the matchup, while his pressure could again prevent Imavov from settling into a comfortable rhythm.
Imavov Has Changed Since Their First Fight
The potential rematch is more complicated than simply looking at their 2023 result. Imavov has developed considerably since that defeat and has established himself among the strongest contenders at middleweight.
His recent run includes major victories over Jared Cannonier, Brendan Allen, Israel Adesanya and Caio Borralho. Those performances pushed him toward the top of the UFC middleweight rankings and strengthened his claim to the next title opportunity.
Strickland also enters a potential rematch from a stronger position. He regained the championship by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, handing Chimaev his first professional loss.
Strickland vs Imavov 2 Is Getting Closer
The UFC has not officially announced the rematch, but negotiations have progressed. Strickland recently confirmed that discussions are underway and identified fighter pay as the remaining issue.
He said the matchup would become locked in once that detail is resolved. That makes Imavov the leading candidate for Strickland’s first defense of his latest championship reign.
The situation also leaves several other contenders waiting. Chimaev continues pushing for an immediate rematch, while Du Plessis remains interested in returning to the championship picture.
Du Plessis Still Has His Own History With Strickland
Du Plessis first fought Strickland at UFC 297 in January 2024. He won a split decision to capture the UFC middleweight championship after a competitive five-round fight.
Their second meeting at UFC 312 produced a clearer result. Du Plessis successfully defended the championship with a unanimous decision, giving him two victories over Strickland.
That history makes his assessment particularly relevant. Few active middleweights have spent more competitive rounds studying Strickland’s tendencies from directly across the Octagon.
A possible third fight also remains part of Du Plessis’ future at middleweight, especially if Strickland successfully defends his championship.
Du Plessis Has Rebuilt Since Losing His UFC Title
Du Plessis eventually lost the middleweight championship to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 in August 2025. Chimaev controlled the fight and ended Du Plessis’ championship reign.
The former champion responded by defeating Kamaru Usman via unanimous decision in July 2026. That victory returned him to the win column and kept him involved in the crowded title picture.
His position creates an interesting scenario. If Strickland beats Imavov, Du Plessis already owns two victories over the reigning champion. However, the UFC must also consider Chimaev and other contenders before deciding the next challenger.
What Makes a Strickland vs Imavov Rematch Different?
Imavov had limited preparation for their first meeting because Strickland stepped into the matchup on short notice. The fight also happened at light heavyweight rather than their usual 185-pound division.
A championship rematch would give both fighters a full training camp and five rounds to work. Imavov’s development since 2023 makes the matchup far more compelling than their first encounter.
Still, Du Plessis believes Strickland remains the wrong stylistic opponent for him. His prediction comes from personal experience rather than simply comparing records or recent results.
Final Thoughts
The Dricus du Plessis Sean Strickland rivalry has given the former champion a detailed understanding of Strickland’s unusual approach. Du Plessis believes that style remains difficult to prepare for, even when opponents know exactly what is coming.
Imavov has improved considerably since their first fight and deserves recognition for his recent run. Du Plessis still expects the same winner if they meet again. Should Strickland retain the belt, the conversation around a third fight with Du Plessis could become even more interesting.
FAQs
Why does Dricus du Plessis think Sean Strickland is difficult to fight?
Du Plessis believes Strickland’s pressure, defensive style and consistent pace make it difficult for opponents to establish their own game.
Who does Dricus du Plessis pick in Strickland vs Imavov 2?
Du Plessis expects Strickland to defeat Imavov again if the UFC finalizes their rematch.
Has Sean Strickland already fought Nassourdine Imavov?
Yes. Strickland defeated Imavov by unanimous decision in January 2023 in a short-notice light heavyweight fight.
Is Sean Strickland vs Nassourdine Imavov 2 official?
The fight has not been formally announced. Strickland has said negotiations are underway, with pay remaining the key issue.
How many times has Dricus du Plessis beaten Sean Strickland?
Du Plessis has defeated Strickland twice, winning their fights at UFC 297 and UFC 312.
