Du Plessis Backs Strickland to Beat Imavov Again

Dricus du Plessis believes Sean Strickland will beat Nassourdine Imavov a second time, predicting the UFC middleweight champion's pressure and defense will again prove too much for the French contender.

Du Plessis, the former middleweight champion and a two-time opponent of Strickland, gave his prediction for the expected rematch in an interview with Fight Forecast. "I honestly believe we're going to look at the same result as the first one. I think Strickland's going to go and walk forward," du Plessis said. He broke down Imavov's game as built on movement and output rather than engagement, comparing it directly to Israel Adesanya's style. "Imavov has the style of kind of hitting, running, hitting, and running, and he does a great job at that, he doesn't get taken into a firefight," du Plessis said. "But Strickland, if he goes forward, that pressure is just going to always be such that you can't let that guy go forward."

Why Du Plessis Thinks Strickland Has the Imavov Blueprint

Du Plessis argues Strickland already solved the exact puzzle Imavov presents. He pointed to Strickland's win over Adesanya as proof the champion has "the antidote" to rangy, elusive strikers who prefer to pop and move rather than trade. "Strickland has proven that he has the antidote to that style. Pressuring, pressuring and his defense is so good," du Plessis said. "So even if he goes forward, he doesn't get clipped with those shots because he keeps it safe, because he prioritises the defense." He finished with a blunt forecast: "I honestly believe we're going to hear 'and still.'"

Where the Strickland vs. Imavov Rematch Stands

Sean Strickland is coming off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, dethroning Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328 as a sizable underdog to win the middleweight title for a second time. Nassourdine Imavov has won six straight since losing to Strickland by decision in January 2023, including a knockout of Caio Borralho at UFC Paris last year, and is widely expected to get the next crack at the belt. Strickland has recently hinted at a contract dispute with the UFC over the terms of that matchup, so the rematch is not yet formally locked in, but Imavov remains the clear frontrunner for the title shot.

Betting Angle

Imavov enters this conversation a very different fighter than the one Strickland out-pointed in 2023, with better power and a longer finishing resume, so expect the market to treat a rematch as closer than the first meeting even with Strickland holding the belt and the head-to-head win. Du Plessis's read lines up with how oddsmakers typically price stylistic rematches: a durable, high-volume pressure fighter with a prior win tends to get favored over a rangy counter-striker unless something has clearly changed in the matchup math. Bettors weighing a second Strickland-Imavov line should watch whether sportsbooks give Imavov a bump for his finishing improvements or stick closer to the original spread given Strickland's title reign and claimed blueprint for beating that style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Dricus du Plessis say about Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov 2?

Dricus du Plessis predicted Sean Strickland will beat Nassourdine Imavov again, saying Strickland's forward pressure and defense are the answer to Imavov's hit-and-move style.

Has Sean Strickland already beaten Nassourdine Imavov before?

Yes, Sean Strickland beat Nassourdine Imavov by decision in January 2023, and Imavov has since won six straight fights, including a knockout of Caio Borralho.

Is Sean Strickland vs. Nassourdine Imavov 2 officially booked?

Not formally. Sean Strickland is reportedly in a contract dispute with the UFC over the matchup, but Nassourdine Imavov remains the expected next challenger for the middleweight title.