Du Plessis Predicts Strickland Will Repeat Victory Over Imavov in 2027

Key points

• Dricus du Plessis stated on Fight Forecast that Sean Strickland is exceptionally difficult to hold down despite being a great wrestler, noting Strickland's ability to fight five rounds and drag opponents into his style.
• Du Plessis predicts Strickland will win the rematch against Nassourdine Imavov, arguing that Imavov's 'hit and run' striking style is similar to Israel Adesanya's, a style Strickland has proven he can counter with constant forward pressure.
• The Strickland-Imavov title defense was initially rumored for UFC 335 in December 2026 but has been pushed to 2027, likely due to a financial dispute between Strickland and the UFC regarding his purse.
• Khamzat Chimaev, who lost the title to Strickland at UFC 328, has offered $1 million for a rematch, but Strickland appears set to face Imavov first, with only the purse details remaining to be finalized.
• Du Plessis, who has two wins over Strickland, currently has no booked fight and faces an uncertain path back to the title, potentially waiting for outcomes of other middleweight bouts.

Background

Strickland won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328, a result du Plessis described as a major upset. Chimaev had previously lost the title to du Plessis but regained it before losing it to Strickland. Imavov, on a five-fight win streak including a knockout of Israel Adesanya, is the top contender at 185 pounds. Du Plessis recently won a Fight of the Night bout against Kamaru Usman but remains without a title shot.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting and Bloody Elbow both highlight du Plessis's prediction that Strickland will win the Imavov rematch, emphasizing Strickland's defensive ground game and cardio. Heavy.com focuses on du Plessis's praise for Strickland's style and his own uncertain future in the division. Sherdog notes the financial dispute delaying the fight and Chimaev's $1 million offer for a rematch, contrasting with Strickland's focus on Imavov. Du Plessis's view that Imavov's style is similar to Adesanya's is a key analytical point, though some commentators, like the MMA Fighting author, suggest Imavov has a fair chance due to Strickland's past struggles with wrestlers.

Why it matters

The Strickland-Imavov fight will determine the next middleweight champion and solidify Strickland's reign. Du Plessis's analysis provides insight into Strickland's strengths, while the financial dispute highlights tensions between top fighters and the UFC. Chimaev's offer and du Plessis's lack of a booked fight indicate a competitive but uncertain landscape for middleweight contenders.

What to watch

The Strickland-Imavov title defense is expected in early 2027, pending resolution of the purse dispute. Chimaev may pursue a rematch with Strickland or other contenders if the title fight does not materialize as planned. Du Plessis may face the winner of other middleweight bouts, such as Brendan Allen vs. Christian Leroy Duncan or Joe Pyfer vs. Bo Nickal, as he waits for a title shot.