In a sheer twist of fate, Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, who were involved in an unexpected brawl just weeks ago, are now slated to face off in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 297. Set to take place this Saturday at the prestigious Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, this middleweight showdown promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
The drama between Strickland and Du Plessis dates back to a fiery exchange at a news conference in December, escalating to a physical altercation in the stands during UFC 296. However, the tension seems to have subsided during the build-up to UFC 297, with both fighters displaying mutual respect. While the beef may have been settled, their encounter inside the Octagon will be anything but friendly.
ESPN ranks Du Plessis as the second-best middleweight in the world, while Strickland sits closely behind at the fifth spot. Strickland, a native of California who now resides and trains in Las Vegas, shocked the world in September when he secured a unanimous decision victory over the renowned Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. With an impressive record of 28 wins and only 5 losses, Strickland is currently on a remarkable three-fight winning streak. Moreover, he has emerged victorious in nine of his last eleven outings.
On the other side of the Octagon, Du Plessis, a 30-year-old fighter from South Africa, boasts an equally impressive resume. With eight consecutive wins under his belt, including a stunning TKO triumph over former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, Du Plessis has been relentless in his pursuit of victory. As a former champion in both EFC and KSW, he brings a wealth of experience and skill to the table.
In the co-main event, UFC 297 will witness an intense showdown for the vacant UFC women’s bantamweight title. With the incomparable Amanda Nunes having retired last June, the division is now up for grabs. Raquel Pennington, a seasoned fighter hailing from Colorado, will go head-to-head with Mayra Bueno Silva, a formidable Brazilian competitor representing Florida.
Pennington, 35 years of age, enters the cage on the back of an impressive five-fight winning streak. With a professional record of 15 wins and 8 losses, she has consistently proven herself as a dominant force in the bantamweight division. However, Bueno Silva, at 32 years old, poses a significant threat. Despite having her last victory against Holly Holm overturned due to a failed drug test, she remains an accomplished athlete with a record of 10 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest.
Aside from the main and co-main events, UFC 297 offers an array of gripping matchups that are sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Canada’s very own Mike Malott will face off against Neil Magny in a welterweight clash, while Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev will engage in a featherweight contender matchup that will have title implications. Additionally, the middleweight action will be intensified with Chris Curtis taking on Marc-Andre Barriault.
As the highly-anticipated UFC 297 approaches, fans eagerly await the clash of these formidable fighters. With their explosive styles and determination to claim victory, Strickland and Du Plessis are destined to deliver an unforgettable showdown inside the Octagon. Mark your calendars and prepare for a night of unforgettable moments as these titans collide in the heart of Toronto.
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