In a highly anticipated bout at UFC 297 in Toronto, South African fighter Dricus Du Plessis secured the UFC middleweight title with a split-decision victory over Sean Strickland. The lead-up to the fight was marked by intense verbal exchanges and a pre-fight brawl at UFC 296.
Strickland displayed controlled aggression during the fight, dominating the opening round with effective defense and jabs that left Du Plessis with a bruised eye. However, Du Plessis (21-2) adjusted as the fight progressed, landing powerful shots and securing six takedowns. A straight right from Du Plessis caused a nasty cut above Strickland’s left eye.
Entering the final round, Strickland (28-6) appeared cautious, while Du Plessis embraced the challenge. Despite Strickland’s late efforts, Du Plessis’ overall performance earned him the middleweight crown.
In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington secured the vacant UFC bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Mayra Bueno Silva. Pennington, considered the underdog, rebounded after a challenging start, controlling the fight and earning a 49-46 (twice) and 49-45 win.
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Other notable results include undefeated Russian Movsar Evloev winning a unanimous decision against fourth-ranked featherweight Arnold Allen, and welterweight Neil Magny stopping rising star Mike Malott with 15 seconds remaining in a dramatic comeback.
Despite the UK’s Sam Patterson securing a victory in the early prelims, all seven male Canadians on the main card faced defeat, including Chris Curtis beating Marc-Andre Barriault in a hard-fought split decision.
