Sean Strickland vs Dricus du Plessis Prediction: New Champ is Coming

On January 21st, Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis will fight for the middleweight belt at UFC 297. Strickland is currently the reigning champion, while du Plessis is ranked second (with Israel Adesanya in between). 

Sean Strickland has always been a solid middleweight, an interesting fighter who doesn't demand much and nothing more. Last year was no different. In January, Sean came out on short notice and unexpectedly beat Nassourdine Imavov. In July, he stopped Abus Magomedov as a gatekeeper. Meanwhile, then-champion Israel Adesanya had no one else to fight, so he agreed to face Strickland. He thought it would be an easy outing, a good workout, and an interesting sparring session. But things did not go according to plan; Sean Strickland surprised everyone again, and he took the champion's title without any questions. And why this happened, none of the experts has yet given a clear explanation.

Dricus du Plessis, like Strickland, was never a promising fighter and didn't get much from Dana White. But he made everyone respect him - he won six times in the UFC, five of them by early decision. It would be nothing, but in his last fight, he was finished by Robert Whittaker, which made Dricus' right to fight for the belt inevitable.

Du Plessis is a more versatile fighter with no apparent gaps in his skills, but on the other hand, we said that about other Strickland's opponents. Each has their own trick in standing, but du Plessis can knock out, while Shawn does it seldom (only one TKO in the last three years). The South African also has an ace up his sleeve - his wrestling, which is many times more dangerous than the champion's. Since the game plan for the Strickland fight is known even to everyone. It will be easier for Dricus to prepare and consider the mistakes of Adesanya, who, frankly, treated Strickland without proper respect and preparation. One should certainly not expect the same gift from du Plessis.