Dricus du Plessis secured the middleweight title with a split decision win over Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297 in Toronto. Despite Strickland’s efforts, du Plessis displayed enough skill to claim the championship, and the fight proved to be a tough battle.
First round du Plessis takedown,
Strickland initiated the fight with kicks and a solid jab, while du Plessis navigated to close the distance for powerful strikes. The first round saw du Plessis score a takedown, but the fight returned to the feet where Strickland excelled as a more effective striker. The matchup continued with Strickland utilizing his jab, causing swelling over du Plessis’ left eye. Meanwhile, du Plessis targeted Strickland’s body and secured occasional takedowns.
The fight became a clash between Strickland’s jab and du Plessis’ power shots. As the rounds progressed, Strickland suffered cuts, and du Plessis showcased effective striking and successful takedowns. Despite Strickland’s effort to finish strong in the fifth round, du Plessis matched him, winning the decision with scores of 48-47, 47-48, 48-47. Du Plessis debunked any doubts about his endurance in a five-round fight.
“I felt the first three rounds were give and take, but the last two rounds, I know [I won],” stated du Plessis post-fight. He called out former champion Israel Adesanya for a future showdown.
In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington claimed the women’s bantamweight title, defeating Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45). Pennington overcame challenging positions and rallied on the feet to secure the victory.
Other UFC 297 results:
- Neil Magny defeated Mike Malott via third-round TKO.
- Chris Curtis won a split decision against Marc-Andre Barriault.
- Movsar Evloev secured a unanimous decision victory over Arnold Allen.
- Garrett Armfield defeated Brad Katona via unanimous decision.
- Sean Woodson won a split decision against Charles Jourdain.
- Ramon Taveras secured a split decision victory over Serhiy Sidey.
- Gillian Robertson won via second-round TKO against Polyana Viana.
- Sam Patterson achieved a first-round submission (rear-naked choke) victory over Yohan Lainesse.
- Jasmine Jasudavicius secured a third-round submission (D’arce choke) win against Priscila Cachoeira.
- Jimmy Flick won via second-round submission (triangle choke) against Malcolm Gordon.
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