Dustin Poirier reveals promising Sean Strickland wrestling update before UFC 328

Former interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier discussed the matchup on the Deep Waters show. His comments focused on Strickland’s ability to handle wrestling exchanges.

“I know some guys, good wrestlers, who are working with Sean, and they said it’s legit. He can get back up. He’s hard to hold down,” ‘The Diamond’ said.

Those remarks suggest Strickland may be better equipped than expected.

Despite that, Poirier still backed ‘Borz’ to win the fight. His overall skill set and track record remain difficult to overlook.

Jorge Masvidal, meanwhile, offered a contrasting prediction. The former welterweight contender is backing Strickland to pull off the upset.

Jorge Masvidal explains why Sean Strickland can handle Khamzat Chimaev

Masvidal pointed to stylistic factors when explaining his view. He believes Strickland has already faced comparable challenges to Chimaev.

“Chimaev is a completely different animal than anybody Strickland has fought. But the guys who are closer to Chimaev in that realm, Strickland has handled them well,” the 41-year-old said.

“It’s really hard to hold this guy down. I’ve seen it with my own eyes in training, practicing with heavyweights, even going with them. And I’ve seen it in fights.”

Masvidal concluded by questioning Chimaev’s experience against similar resistance. “Chimaev has never fought nobody who can wrestle back into him like that.”