Dricus du Plessis reacts after Sean Strickland shocks Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328

Dricus du Plessis has reacted after Sean Strickland stunned the MMA world by defeating Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 328.

Taking to Instagram after the fight, Du Plessis said the result played out exactly as he expected.

“Fight went exactly the way I thought it would,” Du Plessis said.

“Great, great fight by Strickland. Like I said, it’s so hard to keep that man on the ground. He is incredibly tough to hold down.”

ALSO READ: UFC 328: Chimaev vs Strickland fight time in South Africa, full card and where to watch

Du Plessis says Chimaev faded late

Du Plessis also pointed to Strickland’s durability and pressure as the key difference in the fight.

“He made Khamzat tired and that’s exactly what happened,” Du Plessis added.

“I knew and like I said in the stand-up [Khamzat] just won’t be able to hang with him.”

The South African star then jokingly referred to himself as “world champion again” due to his 2-0 record against Strickland.

Strickland shocks Chimaev at UFC 328

Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year after defeating the previously unbeaten Chimaev in the UFC 328 main event.

Many fans and analysts had backed Chimaev heading into the fight due to his dominant wrestling and undefeated record.

However, Strickland’s relentless pressure, cardio and striking proved decisive as the fight progressed.

Could Du Plessis get another title shot?

Du Plessis remains one of the biggest names in the UFC middleweight division and his reaction immediately sparked speculation about a possible trilogy fight with Strickland.

The South African fighter already owns two victories over the American:

• UFC 297
• UFC 312

With Strickland now back on top of the division, fans are already debating whether Du Plessis could be next in line for another title opportunity.

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