UFC 297 Showdown: Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
In a highly anticipated matchup, Sean Strickland is set to face off against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297, taking the spotlight as the main event. The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto will play host to this thrilling encounter, with the action kicking off at 10 PM ET. Fans can catch every moment live on ESPN+ and PPV.
Rising from Victory to Title Contention
Strickland enters the octagon riding high on a wave of momentum after securing a unanimous decision victory over Israel Adesanya in September 2023. This impressive win not only cemented his status as a formidable middleweight but also earned him the title. On the other side of the cage, Du Plessis boasts an unblemished record within the UFC, having triumphed in all six of his initial bouts in the promotion.
The South African fighter's journey hasn't been without its setbacks, though. A foot injury temporarily hampered his progress, but he bounced back with a vengeance, most notably with a win over Robert Whittaker in July 2023. Around the same time, Strickland bested Abus Magomedov, adding another notch to his belt.
An interesting twist had Du Plessis slated to fight Adesanya, but the injury sustained in his bout with Whittaker led to a change of plans. Strickland stepped up to the plate, seizing the opportunity to fight Adesanya and ultimately claiming the championship title.
A Tale of Two Fighters
Since returning from a motorcycle accident, Strickland has compiled an impressive 8-2 record, showcasing his resilience and determination. Meanwhile, Du Plessis has accumulated a professional record of 14-2, with notable stints as champion in both EFC and KSW. His track record in the UFC is particularly striking, with Brad Tavares being the sole opponent he hasn't managed to finish within the distance.
Prior to his victory over Whittaker, Du Plessis fought an intense schedule, stepping into the octagon four times over 12 months. This rigorous pace underscores his commitment and stamina, traits that will undoubtedly be tested against Strickland.
Odds and Expectations
As the fighters prepare to clash, the odds slightly favor Strickland at -130, while Du Plessis stands as the underdog at +110. These numbers reflect the competitive nature of the match, with both fighters possessing the skills and drive to emerge victorious. Strickland's recent performance against Adesanya has certainly influenced the betting lines, but Du Plessis's undefeated streak in the UFC cannot be ignored.
UFC 297 marks the seventh time the UFC has brought its showcase to Toronto, with the city hosting its first event since UFC 231 back in December 2018. The return to Canadian soil adds an extra layer of excitement for fight fans who have eagerly awaited the promotion's comeback.
Words Before the War
The fighters have not shied away from verbal sparring leading up to their physical confrontation. Following his win against Adesanya, Strickland was met with mixed sentiments. An anonymous quote captured the ambivalence: "Well, what an upset! I’m impressed in any way but congratulations on becoming champion and beating the Kiwi/Chinese/Nigerian."
Meanwhile, Du Plessis expressed confidence in his standing as a top contender, asserting, "Myself and [Strickland] had the biggest upsets of 2023." He further stoked the competitive fires by challenging Strickland directly: "I am undoubtedly the contender so let’s settle this like men whenever wherever."
Du Plessis, ever the patriot, even entertained the idea of a title defense on his home turf, stating, "I would give him a title shot and a well-deserved hiding on my home soil, South Africa."
With the stage set for a monumental battle, UFC 297 promises to deliver an evening of high-stakes drama. As Strickland and Du Plessis prepare to lock horns, fans around the world await what could be one of the defining moments in the middleweight division's history. Will Strickland defend his newly acquired title successfully, or will Du Plessis extend his winning streak and claim the championship for himself? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the eyes of the MMA world will be firmly fixed on Toronto come fight night.