Du Plessis: Strickland Beats Imavov Again in Rematch

Dricus du Plessis believes Sean Strickland will beat Nassourdine Imavov a second time if the UFC middleweight champion's expected first title defense comes to pass, telling Fight Forecast he sees "the same result as the first one."

Du Plessis is better positioned than almost anyone to break down Strickland. The two have fought twice for the middleweight title, with du Plessis winning both encounters across 50 combined minutes, even though Strickland now holds the belt after upsetting Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328. According to du Plessis, that win over Chimaev showed exactly why Strickland is such a miserable style matchup.

Why Du Plessis Thinks Strickland Is So Hard to Beat

Du Plessis says Strickland's conditioning and scramble defense wear opponents down until they're forced to fight on his terms. "He is hard to hold down. He is very fit. He can always go five rounds," du Plessis said, recalling that he took Strickland down seven times in their fights but could never control him for long. He pointed to the Chimaev fight as proof: Chimaev had Strickland in trouble early and worked for a finish, but once Strickland weathered that storm and started stuffing takedowns, Chimaev gassed and got pulled into a kickboxing match he couldn't win. "Strickland wins that every single time," du Plessis said.

What It Means for an Imavov Rematch

Nassourdine Imavov has won five straight, including a knockout of former champion Israel Adesanya, and is widely expected to get the next crack at Strickland's belt even though nothing is official yet. The two already met once, back in 2023 at light heavyweight on short notice, with Strickland winning a unanimous decision. Du Plessis doesn't see a path for a different outcome this time, arguing Imavov's hit-and-move striking and Adesanya-style spacing game plan runs into the exact pressure that broke Chimaev. "You can't let that guy go forward," du Plessis said, adding that Strickland's granite chin and disciplined defense let him close distance without getting caught clean. "So I honestly believe we're going to hear, 'And Still!'"

Betting Angle

Du Plessis's read lines up with how most build-a-case bettors will frame this fight once it's official. Strickland profiles as a live betting favorite given his pressure, cardio and durability, and the fact he already has a decision win over Imavov on the record only reinforces that lean for oddsmakers and bettors alike. The counterargument sportsbooks will have to price in is Imavov's improvement since 2023, particularly the finish over Adesanya that suggests sharper finishing instincts than he showed in their first meeting. Until the bout is officially booked and a line opens, the smart approach is to treat Strickland as the probable favorite directionally rather than chase a number that doesn't exist yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dricus du Plessis think Sean Strickland beats Nassourdine Imavov again?

Yes, Dricus du Plessis predicts Sean Strickland beats Nassourdine Imavov in a rematch, saying he expects 'the same result as the first one,' referencing Strickland's 2023 decision win over Imavov.

Has Sean Strickland already fought Nassourdine Imavov?

Yes, Sean Strickland beat Nassourdine Imavov by unanimous decision in a short-notice light heavyweight bout in 2023, before Strickland moved back to middleweight and won the title.

How did Sean Strickland win the UFC middleweight title from Khamzat Chimaev?

Sean Strickland upset Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, with Dricus du Plessis crediting Strickland's takedown defense and conditioning for wearing Chimaev out and forcing a striking battle.