Get ready for a UFC showdown that’s bound to shake the Octagon—because when Sean Strickland steps into the ring at UFC Houston, all eyes will be on whether he can reclaim his former glory. But here’s where it gets controversial: Dricus du Plessis, the man who dethroned Strickland not once but twice, is now backing his ex-rival to emerge victorious against Anthony Hernandez. Yes, you read that right. The fighter who knows Strickland’s weaknesses better than most is putting his money on him. And this is the part most people miss—Du Plessis isn’t just guessing; he’s speaking from experience, having faced Strickland’s relentless style firsthand.
The stage is set for UFC’s return to the Toyota Center in 2026, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Strickland, the polarizing former middleweight champion, is gunning for a comeback against Hernandez, a contender on an eight-fight winning streak. Hernandez’s fighting style is nothing short of relentless—his endurance is unmatched, and his ability to mentally and physically break opponents has earned him respect in the division. But Strickland isn’t just any opponent. Du Plessis, who famously defeated Strickland at UFC 312 to defend his middleweight title, believes the American’s unique style could be the key to stopping Hernandez’s momentum.
In a recent interview on Fight Forecast, Du Plessis shared his insights: ‘Hernandez is a machine. His gas tank is insane, and he fights with a pace that just wears you down. He strikes, gets in your face, and makes it ugly—he breaks you mentally and physically.’ Yet, despite this admiration, Du Plessis still gives Strickland the edge. ‘Keeping Strickland on the ground is no easy task,’ he explained. ‘And breaking him? That’s a whole other challenge.’
Here’s the bold prediction: Du Plessis doesn’t see this fight ending in a knockout or submission. Instead, he believes it’ll go the distance, with Strickland’s style ultimately tipping the scales in his favor. ‘If you want to beat Strickland, you need exceptional striking,’ Du Plessis added. ‘This fight could go either way, but if I’m betting, I’m going with Strickland.’
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room—Khamzat Chimaev. After ending Du Plessis’s reign last August at UFC 319, Chimaev remains undefeated, and Strickland has already declared himself the only middleweight capable of dethroning the Chechen star. ‘I’m probably the only one who could beat Chimaev,’ Strickland told ESPN, even going as far as to claim he’s a better wrestler over five rounds. Is he right, or is this just bold talk?
As UFC Houston approaches, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a fight—it’s a statement. Will Strickland prove Du Plessis right and take a step closer to challenging Chimaev? Or will Hernandez continue his rise and shatter Strickland’s comeback dreams? The Octagon will have the final say. But we want to hear from you—who do you think takes this one, and does Strickland stand a chance against Chimaev? Let the debate begin!
