Michael Bisping Explains Why He Thinks Dricus Du Plessis Is A Better Striker Than Sean Strickland Ahead Of UFC 297

UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland has earned considerable praise for his striking over the past 12 months. 

At UFC 293, 'Tarzan' reached the pinnacle of the 185lbs division when he put on a striking masterclass to defeat Israel Adesanya. Expertly utilizing jabs, teeps, and well-timed defense, Strickland walked down and bloodied 'The Last Stylebender' en route to a unanimous decision victory. 

At UFC 297, Strickland will defend the gold against the powerful, unpredictable Dricus du Plessis. On a recent rundown of the fight, former 185lbs kingpin Michael Bisping acknowledged 'Tarzan' as the more technically skilled striker heading into this weekend's event. 

"Technically, when you look at the fighters, Sean Strickland is a more technical striker, okay, uses that jab really well," Bisping said. "He's got beautiful footwork okay, pumps that jab out, and when he gets comfortable, follows it up with the right hand."

"He Believes In Himself More" - Michael Bisping On Dricus Du Plessis

Despite Strickland's precision and skill, however, 'The Count' was quick to point out that of his 28 wins, 13 have come via decision. With this in mind, Bisping believes that du Plessis is actually the more impressive striker. 

While not as technically astute as 'Tarzan', 'Stillknocks' has shown explosive power in his strikes throughout his career, with nine of his wins coming via knockout, and just one by decision. Bisping used the example of his first fight with Dan Henderson where, despite being the technically more skilled boxer, the Mancunian was brutally KO'd by 'Hendo' at UFC 100. 

Overall, Bisping believes that du Plessis' aggression and confidence makes him the superior striker. 

"Given all that combined, I think Dricus du Plessis is the better striker," Bisping opined. "He believes in himself more, he walks forward, he's more aggressive, okay, and he's more effective. That's why only one of his fights has ever gone to a decision. So striking, I've got Dricus du Plessis as the better striker."