Khamzat Chimaev might have a hard time out-grappling Dricus Du Plessis, according to an MMA icon.
The pair are scheduled to go to war at UFC 319 on August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Having produced so many spectacular performances, many are expecting ‘Borz’ to win. Darren Till thinks Chimaev will beat Du Plessis inside two rounds.
However, another expert is convinced the South African can hold his own.
WOW: Chael Sonnen reveals why he didn’t have confidence during his first fight with Anderson Silva
Chael Sonnen says Khamzat Chimaev will have trouble taking down Dricus Du Plessis
While Chael Sonnen accepts Khamzat Chimaev is the favorite going into his showdown with Dricus Du Plessis, he isn’t ruling out the reigning UFC champion.
The famed trash-talker is convinced ‘Stillknocks’ has the talent in the grappling department to give the challenger a run for his money.
In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, ‘The American Gangster’ said: “How is he going to beat him? I am not fully confident that Chimaev can take him down at will. I’m not fully confident he can keep him there.
“We’re gonna know in the very first round. If Dricus gets taken down in the first round, things are going to unravel very quickly. But if he can defend a takedown for the entire first five minutes, it’s only going to get easier after that.
“It’s an exciting match, I would expect Chimaev to be the favorite, and he is.”
Sean Strickland predicts Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev
Sean Strickland has shared the cage with Du Plessis on two separate occasions.
Therefore, he’s in the perfect position to give his take on whether he believes his old rival has the minerals to overcome one of the most frightening fighters in the sport.
Unsurprisingly, the American didn’t shy away from offering his take on the clash.
In a recent interview, Strickland analyzed Du Plessis vs Chimaev.