UFC 297 is set to take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. This event, featuring the clash between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, has been marked by unexpected twists.

Izzy vs. DDP: The Origin

Then champion Israel Adesanya initially set the stage for a showdown with Dricus Du Plessis following a dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Robert Whittaker | FREE FIGHT | UFC 297 The narrative surrounding this bout took an ugly turn, evolving into a debate over who truly holds the title of the "real African." Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis come face-to-face in bad tempered encounter at #UFC290 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzpFZ6fSr-Y

Izzy vs. Strickland: A Surprising Turn

However, Dricus Du Plessis had to withdraw due to injury, opening the door for Sean Strickland to step in on short notice. In a surprising turn of events, Strickland seized the opportunity, dominating Adesanya for five rounds and claiming the championship.

Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya | FREE FIGHT | UFC 297

Strickland vs. DDP: Press Conference Sparks Chaos

Leading up to UFC 297, tensions reached a boiling point during a press conference for UFC 296 when Dricus Du Plessis mocked Strickland about his troubled childhood. MMA Crazy - Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis Press Conference Highlights for 2024 Season https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFPITR269U8

This ended in a chaotic altercation where Strickland jumped a row of chairs and landed a few shots on Dricus.

Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis FIGHT at UFC 296! #UFC296 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAfkBADQzAg

The proximity of their seats was later deemed an unfortunate decision, prompting Dana White to take responsibility for the incident, as he is the one in charge of cage side seating. Dana White takes blame for sitting Strickland near Du Plessis #UFC296

Fighter Stats: Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis

Sean Strickland, at 32 years old, 193 cm reach and stands at 185 cm. With 28 wins and 5 losses. On the other side, Dricus Du Plessis, 30 years old, stands at 183 cm with a reach of 190 cm and holds a record of 20 wins and 2 losses. Both are predominantly strikers but have a decent ground game.