UFC 297: Dricus Du Plessis Captures Middleweight Title with Split Decision Victory Over Sean Strickland
Date: January 20, 2024
Venue: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Canada
Event: UFC 297
Main Event:
Middleweight Championship Bout:
Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland
Fight Summary:
In a closely contested middleweight championship clash, Dricus Du Plessis emerged victorious over Sean Strickland via split decision, securing the coveted title at UFC 297. The fight took place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, and showcased the resilience and determination of both fighters.
Du Plessis, known for his aggressive fighting style, relentlessly pressed forward throughout the fight, rarely allowing Strickland to take control. Strickland, a skilled counter-striker, initially utilized his jab effectively, but as the fight progressed, Du Plessis’ relentless pressure began to wear him down.
Du Plessis’ unwavering determination and powerful striking combinations proved too much for Strickland to handle. The South African fighter landed significant strikes and executed timely takedowns, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set.
Both fighters displayed visible signs of damage, with Du Plessis’ left eye nearly swollen shut and Strickland sustaining cuts on the left side of his face. Despite the grueling nature of the fight, both athletes displayed exceptional heart and determination.
Du Plessis’ victory marked a significant moment in his career, as he became the new middleweight champion and cemented his status as a rising star in the division.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 47-48 Strickland
- Judge 2: 48-47 Du Plessis
- Judge 3: 48-47 Du Plessis
Undercard Results:
Women’s Bantamweight Championship Bout:
Raquel Pennington vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
Fight Summary:
In a dominant performance, Raquel Pennington showcased her superior grappling skills to defeat Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision and retain her bantamweight title. Pennington controlled the fight on the ground, securing takedowns and landing significant strikes from top position.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 49-46 Pennington
- Judge 2: 49-46 Pennington
- Judge 3: 49-45 Pennington
Welterweight Bout:
Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott
Fight Summary:
Neil Magny delivered a stunning TKO victory over Mike Malott in the third round, showcasing his devastating striking power. Magny landed a barrage of strikes that forced the referee to intervene and stop the fight.
Time of Stoppage:
4:45 of the third round
Middleweight Bout:
Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
Fight Summary:
In a closely contested middleweight bout, Chris Curtis emerged victorious over Marc-Andre Barriault via split decision. Curtis displayed superior striking and grappling skills, securing takedowns and landing significant strikes on the ground.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 30-27 Curtis
- Judge 2: 28-29 Barriault
- Judge 3: 30-27 Curtis
Featherweight Bout:
Movsar Evloev vs. Arnold Allen
Fight Summary:
Movsar Evloev displayed his grappling prowess to defeat Arnold Allen via unanimous decision. Evloev controlled the fight on the ground, securing takedowns and advancing his position.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 29-28 Evloev
- Judge 2: 29-28 Evloev
- Judge 3: 29-28 Evloev
Prelims Results:
Bantamweight Bout:
Garrett Armfield vs. Brad Katona
Fight Summary:
Garrett Armfield secured a unanimous decision victory over Brad Katona in a competitive bantamweight bout. Armfield’s superior striking and grappling skills proved to be the deciding factors.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 29-28 Armfield
- Judge 2: 29-28 Armfield
- Judge 3: 29-28 Armfield
Featherweight Bout:
Sean Woodson vs. Charles Jourdain
Fight Summary:
In a split decision victory, Sean Woodson overcame Charles Jourdain in a thrilling featherweight contest. Woodson’s striking accuracy and effective grappling techniques earned him the win.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 28-29 Jourdain
- Judge 2: 29-28 Woodson
- Judge 3: 29-28 Woodson
Bantamweight Bout:
Ramon Tavares vs. Serhiy Sidey
Fight Summary:
Ramon Tavares emerged victorious over Serhiy Sidey via split decision in a closely contested bantamweight bout. Tavares’ well-rounded skills, including striking and grappling, proved to be the difference-maker.
Official Scorecards:
- Judge 1: 29-28 Tavares
- Judge 2: 28-29 Sidey
- Judge 3: 29-28 Tavares
Women’s Strawweight Bout:
Gillian Robertson vs. Polyana Viana
Fight Summary:
Gillian Robertson secured a TKO victory over Polyana Viana in the second round of their women’s strawweight bout. Robertson’s relentless ground and pound attack forced the referee to stop the fight.
Time of Stoppage:
3:12 of the second round
Early Prelims Results:
Welterweight Bout:
Sam Patterson vs. Yohan Lainesse
Fight Summary:
Sam Patterson made a quick and impressive statement in his UFC debut, submitting Yohan Lainesse via rear-naked choke in the first round.
Time of Submission:
2:03 of the first round
Women’s Flyweight Bout:
Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Priscila Cachoeira
Fight Summary:
Jasmine Jasudavicius showcased her grappling skills, securing a D’arce choke submission victory over Priscila Cachoeira in the third round.
Time of Submission:
4:21 of the third round
Flyweight Bout:
Jimmy Flick vs. Malcolm Gordon
Fight Summary:
Jimmy Flick submitted Malcolm Gordon via arm triangle in the second round, demonstrating his grappling dominance.
Time of Submission:
1:17 of the second round
Conclusion:
UFC 297 delivered an exciting night of fights, with Dricus Du Plessis emerging as the new middleweight champion and other fighters showcasing their skills and determination. The event featured a mix of striking and grappling battles, highlighting the diverse talents of the UFC roster.