UFC 297 forecast – Sean Strickland vs. Dricus du Plessis: Match lineup, betting odds, preview, preliminary fights, professional selections

UFC 297: Discover which fighters the experts are picking for the two championship bouts at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto on Saturday evening.

In the main event of UFC 297 on Saturday, one of the most polarizing fighters in the UFC 297will make his return. Sean Strickland, the current middleweight champion, will defend his title for the first time against the formidable contender, Dricus du Plessis.

Strickland’s controversial remarks have caused a division among MMA fans, as they highlight the UFC’s evolving stance on the intersection of politics and sports. His surprising victory over Israel Adesanya to claim the championship was a result of du Plessis being unable to face Adesanya at the time. Now, Strickland will face du Plessis, who himself earned his spot at the top of the division by defeating the highly regarded Robert Whittaker in his most recent fight.

Let’s delve into the comprehensive fight card for Saturday night, examining the latest odds, before we proceed to our staff predictions and picks for the PPV segment of the event.

UFC 297 Fight Card, Betting Odds

1. Sean Strickland (c) -110 vs. Dricus du Plessis -110, Middleweight Title
2. Mayra Bueno Silva -170 vs. Raquel Pennington +145, Women’s Bantamweight Title
3. Mike Malott -370 vs. Neil Magny +290, Welterweights
4. Chris Curtis -190 vs. Marc-Andre Barriault +160, Middleweights
5. Movsar Evloev -200 vs. Arnold Allen +170, Featherweights
6. Brad Katona -210 vs. Garrett Armfield +175, Bantamweights
7. Charles Jourdain -205 vs. Sean Woodson +170, Featherweights
8. Serhiy Sidey -180 vs. Ramon Taveras +155, Bantamweights
9. Gillian Robertson -320 vs. Polyana Viana +250, Women’s Strawweights
10. Yohan Lainesse -150 vs. Sam Patterson +125, Welterweights
11. Jasmine Jasudavicius -380 vs. Priscila Cachoeira +300, Women’s Flyweights
12. Malcolm Gordon -220 vs. Jimmy Flick +180, Flyweights.

Please note that these are the current betting odds for the UFC 297 fight card. The “-” symbol indicates the favorite, while the “+” symbol indicates the underdog. The numbers represent the odds for each fighter. Good luck with your bets!

Predictions and picks for UFC 297

 

Strickland versus du Plessis

Campbell: Despite Strickland’s impressive victory over Adesanya, it’s important to recognize that styles play a significant role in fights. Strickland showcased exceptional striking skills and utilized effective defense to frustrate the former champion. However, he won’t have the luxury of facing an opponent like Adesanya when he goes up against the formidable du Plessis. Unlike Adesanya, du Plessis possesses immense physicality and a threat of takedowns. Moreover, du Plessis has rapidly evolved his technical abilities, as demonstrated in his upset win against Whittaker. Considering Strickland’s historical struggles against powerful punchers, it wouldn’t be surprising if du Plessis secures a knockout victory.

Brookhouse: While Strickland’s triumph over Adesanya may have been partly due to Adesanya’s off night, it’s crucial to acknowledge Strickland’s flawless execution of his gameplan. He dominated one of the top fighters of our time on the grandest stage of his career, which is commendable. However, du Plessis won’t approach the fight with the same passivity as Adesanya. Strickland tends to struggle against physically imposing opponents with heavy striking power. Although du Plessis has made improvements in his technique over the years, he still possesses a raw and unpredictable style that could throw Strickland off his game.

Mahjouri: Strickland faces a formidable offensive force in front of him, capable of striking and grappling with precision. In order to neutralize DDP’s offense, Strickland must rely on a solid defense. Despite being underestimated, the South African fighter possesses impressive technique and cardio.

However, his aggressive style often leads to vulnerabilities and complicated situations. Du Plessis may not be flawless, but he is undeniably powerful. Fortunately, Strickland has the advantage of being guided by some of the brightest minds in MMA. Head coach Eric Nicksick of Xtreme Couture has rightfully earned praise as Coach of the Year from numerous experts.

Nicksick is a master strategist, and Strickland places great trust in his team. Another Xtreme Couture regular, Brad Tavares, is the sole UFC fighter to have gone the distance with Du Plessis. Although Du Plessis won two rounds on all three judges’ scorecards, this valuable experience will assist Strickland’s team in refining their approach. My prediction is that Strickland will emerge victorious by decision.

Wise: Despite all the trash talk, it seems evident that Strickland is not comfortable with the excessive attention he is receiving. Although his comments mostly resemble his previous ones, he has acknowledged that being a champion feels different now. The way he speaks and handles du Plessis’ mention of his past and media scrutiny gives off an unusual vibe. Additionally, his outstanding performance in his last fight adds to the anticipation of something going wrong. While he successfully neutralized Adesanya’s striking, the former champion lacks the knockout power that DDP possesses. If du Plessis manages to close the distance early on or take the fight to the ground, it appears that it could result in a quick ending.

Pennington versus Silva

Campbell: Despite the lack of excitement surrounding this vacant title bout between top contenders, there is a strong belief that it will be a highly competitive fight. However, when assessing the skills of each fighter, it’s difficult not to favor Silva due to her exceptional ground game, particularly her submission abilities.

In fact, Silva managed to force former champion Holly Holm to tap out in their previous encounter, although it was later ruled a no contest due to an irregular drug test result. It’s worth noting that Holm has defeated Pennington twice, who despite having the longest win streak in the division, is considered solid but not extraordinary. With the possibility of facing former champion Julianna Pena after this fight, it seems likely that Silva will seize her moment and keep the title in Brazil following Amanda Nunes’ retirement in 2023.

Mahjouri: Silva is ready for a challenge. While stopping 41-year-old Holly Holm may not hold the same weight as before, it’s worth noting that Silva is only the third person, alongside former champions Amanda Nunes and Miesha Tate, to achieve this in MMA. Although the result was later overturned due to a metabolite in her ADHD medication, it remains an impressive accomplishment.

Silva’s undefeated record in four bantamweight fights suggests she will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. On the other hand, Pennington’s current five-fight winning streak is a remarkable achievement in her 12-year-long career with over 20 fights. Few fighters experience such success later in their careers, and Pennington deserves tremendous respect for her accomplishments. While Pennington is a difficult opponent to stop, I believe Silva possesses the skills necessary to secure a submission victory within three rounds.

Malott versus Magny

Campbell: Malott, known for his impressive physique and a streak of six consecutive stoppage wins, has emerged as a captivating contender in the welterweight division. The Canadian fighter is expected to draw immense support from the enthusiastic crowd in Toronto as he squares off against the experienced 36-year-old Magny. Magny, who has alternated between victories and defeats in his last six bouts, continues to serve as a formidable benchmark for the division, acting as an elite gatekeeper. However, Malott’s submission skills pose a significant threat that may prove too overwhelming for Magny, despite the latter’s seven-inch reach advantage.

Brookhouse: Witnessing an exhilarating clash between an emerging, thrilling fighter and a seasoned veteran in a significant leap forward fight is undeniably captivating. Malott, a formidable fighter, constantly seeks to secure a decisive victory, while Magny, although not invincible, is not easily defeated. However, Magny is well-acquainted with surpassing expectations and will not easily succumb to Malott. The Canadian fighter is likely to possess both the strength and danger necessary to avoid falling into that predicament, but it is crucial to remain vigilant for any potential surprises in this bout.

Mahjouri: Malott is receiving a significant upgrade in competition by facing off against Mickey Gall and Adam Fugitt. Among all the fighters in the welterweight division, Magny boasts the most extensive experience. Although Magny’s chances of securing a title may be slim, he has consistently proven to be a formidable gatekeeper.

Initially, I favored Magny due to his reach and experience, but Malott’s potential ultimately won me over. With a seven-inch reach advantage and a two-inch height advantage, Magny holds the physical edge. While Magny may not be known for his finishing ability, he possesses the knowledge to win rounds. However, it is Malott’s ability to both knock out opponents and submit them that convinced me. Despite his limited professional experience, Malott fights intelligently and can apply the same pressure that has troubled Magny in the past. Additionally, Malott doesn’t have to worry too much about what Magny will bring to the table. If Malott fails to finish Magny, he is likely to win at least two rounds.