As the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) gears up for its first pay-per-view event of 2024, UFC 297, the excitement is palpable. Set to take place on January 20th at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, this event marks UFC's seventh visit to the city and its 33rd return to Canada.
This venue has a rich history of hosting significant UFC events, with stars like Max Holloway, Jon Jones, and Georges St-Pierre having headlined here.
The Main Attraction: Strickland vs Du Plessis
The headliner of UFC 297 is a Middleweight Championship bout featuring Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis.
Sean Strickland's Road to UFC 297
Sean Strickland, a seasoned fighter known for his striking prowess and resilience, has had a remarkable journey leading up to UFC 297. His last fight on September 9, 2023, against Israel Adesanya was a significant victory where he showcased his strategic approach, winning by unanimous decision.
The fight displayed Strickland's striking accuracy and takedown skills, cementing his position as the UFC middleweight champion. Strickland, who trains at Millennia MMA in Rancho, CA, brings a fighting style that mixes aggressive striking and tactical ground game. With 11 wins by knockout and 4 by submission, he has demonstrated a well-rounded skill set, capable of finishing fights on his feet and the ground.
Dricus du Plessis's Impressive Rise
Dricus du Plessis, the #2 ranked contender, has been on a meteoric rise in the middleweight division. His most recent fight against Robert Whittaker on July 8, 2023, ended in a technical knockout, showcasing his striking power and agility.
Du Plessis, who hails from South Africa and fights out of Pretoria, Gauteng, is a formidable striker with a southpaw stance. His record is impressive, with 9 wins by knockout and 10 by submission, reflecting his versatility and finishing ability.
Du Plessis's strong point is his powerful striking and ability to capitalize on submission opportunities, making him a dangerous opponent in stand-up and ground exchanges.
The Co-Main Event: Pennington vs Bueno Silva
In the co-main event, a vacant Women's Bantamweight title is up for grabs, with Raquel Pennington facing Mayra Bueno Silva.
Raquel Pennington's Path to UFC 297
Raquel Pennington, known for her resilience and skilled freestyle fighting, has carved a niche in the Women's Bantamweight division. Her recent victory against Ketlen Vieira on January 14, 2023, was a testament to her strategic prowess, winning by a split decision. This win extended her impressive streak to five consecutive victories, highlighting her well-rounded abilities in the octagon.
Pennington's fighting style, a blend of precision striking and tactical grappling, has earned her a reputation as a formidable opponent. With 11 wins by decision and four by submission, she's proven her ability to adapt and control the pace of her fights.
Mayra Bueno Silva's Rising Momentum
Mayra Bueno Silva, a Brazilian striker with an aggressive approach, brings a different dynamic to the octagon. Her most recent triumph came against Holly Holm on July 15, 2023, where she showcased her submission skills, securing a win in the second round with a guillotine choke. The victory was a significant addition to her career, which boasts 8 wins by submission, demonstrating her prowess on the ground.
Silva's striking accuracy and clinch work complement her ground game, making her a dual threat. Her record of 7 first-round finishes speaks to her aggressive style, often overwhelming her opponents early in the fight.
Featherweight Showdown: Allen vs Evloev
In the highly anticipated Featherweight match at UFC 297, Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev are set to clash, creating a buzz among betting enthusiasts. This bout has not only captivated MMA fans but has also caught the attention of Canadian sports betting sites, which have released odds indicating the intensity of the competition. Presently, Arnold Allen is listed as a significant underdog with odds of +170, while Movsar Evloev stands as the favorite with odds of -174. These odds reflect the betting community's assessment of the fighters' capabilities and the match's expected outcome.
Arnold Allen's Tactical Approach
Arnold Allen's recent history in the octagon has been marked by a decision loss to Max Holloway, a fight that tested his striking and resilience. Despite the setback, Allen's skill set remains highly regarded in the Featherweight division. His approach typically involves a mix of sharp boxing and effective grappling, focusing on controlling the fight's tempo.
Allen's ability to blend striking with takedowns makes him a versatile competitor, often keeping his opponents guessing. His record shows a balance of wins by decision, knockout, and submission, underscoring his adaptability in various fight scenarios.
Movsar Evloev's Unbeaten Streak
Movsar Evloev enters UFC 297 with an impressive seventeen-fight unbeaten streak, indicating his dominance in the Featherweight division. His fighting style is characterized by relentless pressure and superior wrestling skills.
Evloev's ability to dictate the pace and location of his fights has been a key factor in his success. With a notable number of his victories coming by decision, he's demonstrated a strategic approach to fighting, often outmaneuvering his opponents throughout three rounds.
Evloev's grappling and control are central to his game plan, often wearing down opponents with his strength and technique.
Other Exciting Matchups
UFC 297 also features a series of other compelling fights. Ranked Middleweight Chris Curtis will face Canadian Marc-André Barriault. Curtis, ranked #14, seeks to defend his position against Barriault, who is coming off a two-fight win streak.
Additionally, Canadian Mike Malott takes on Welterweight veteran Neil Magny. Malott, undefeated since 2014 and with a track record of finishing all his UFC bouts, faces a seasoned opponent in Magny, who hasn’t lost two consecutive fights since 2013. This prospect versus veteran showdown will be a highlight of the evening.
The card is rounded out by bouts across various weight classes, including a Featherweight bout between Charles Jourdain and Sean Woodson, a Bantamweight clash featuring Brad Katona and Garrett Armfield, a Women's Strawweight bout with Gillian Robertson taking on Polyana Viana, a Bantamweight bout between Serhiy Sidey and Ramon Taveras, a Flyweight bout pitting Malcolm Gordon against Jimmy Flick, and a Welterweight bout with Yohan Lainesse facing Sam Patterson.
Watching the Action
For fans eager to catch every moment of UFC 297, the prelims start at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with the main card kicking off at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT. The event will be available on pay-per-view, and fans can stream the action via various platforms, including ESPN PPV via the ESPN+ app in the United States and Discovery+ Premium and TNT Sports in the United Kingdom.
Final Thoughts
UFC 297 is a testament to the ever-evolving mixed martial arts landscape, showcasing a blend of established veterans and rising stars. Each bout on the card offers a unique narrative, set against the backdrop of the bustling city of Toronto.
As fighters prepare to step into the octagon, fans worldwide anticipate an evening of unforgettable action, highlighting the skill, heart, and spirit that epitomize the UFC.
