- Alexander Volkanovski favors Dricus du Plessis over Sean Strickland at UFC 297
- “The Great” thinks the fight would last 25 minutes
UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski sees Dricus du Plessis getting the better of Sean Strickland at UFC 297 should the fight ends up in a decision.
Dricus’ hand will be raised after five rounds
Speaking on his YouTube channel, “The Great” said Strickland vs. Du Plessis is a “50/50” fight and would more likely be a standup showdown. However, Volk believes that “Stillknocks” would have better chances of winning if the fight go the distance. That is, if Du Plessis could last 25 minutes against a cardio machine like “Tarzan.”
“It’s going to be a standup battle and I still think it’s pretty 50/50 on the feet,” Volkanovski said of Strickland vs. Du Plessis. “I think he’s pretty awkward, Du Plessis. The later rounds, I want to say, obviously Du Plessis ended up having his nose surgery, he said that was giving him a lot of grief and he said he felt great in his last one, it definitely made a difference so let’s see cause I think cardio, we know Sean Strickland doesn’t waste too much energy, spars thousands of rounds, so he can go the five rounds every single time.”
“[Sean] He can bring it on in the last two rounds and I think Du Plessis can too so that’s why I’m sort of more unsure. If I could guarantee Du Plessis’ gas tank’s going to hold up, I’m more leaning towards Dricus. I think Dricus maybe does have more ways of winning but yeah, it’s going to be a very interesting fight,” he added.
Drama could be a factor
At this point, it’s hard to tell who would have the advantage between Strickland and Du Plessis. The only thing certain is that there would be drama once the pair met inside the Octagon.
It can be recalled that “Tarzan” and “Stillknocks” already had a physical altercation at UFC 296. Since then, Strickland and Du Plessis have been taking jabs at each other.
Strickland would be looking to defend his middleweight title for the first time. On the other hand, Du Plessis would try and capture the 185-pound strap and hopefully face Israel Adesanya as his first title challenger.
UFC 297 will take place this weekend, January 20 at Scotiabank in Toronto, Canada.
Check out Volk’s full video below:
