Overview

• Dricus Du Plessis won the middleweight title at UFC 297, becoming South Africa's first-ever UFC champion.
• Despite a contested outcome, Du Plessis' win opens up new opportunities for the UFC, including potential expansion into the African market.
• Du Plessis has challenged former champion Israel Adesanya for a title fight, a matchup defined by a personal feud between the two fighters.
• Former champion Sean Strickland has been criticized for his controversial remarks and behavior, posing a potential public relations risk for the UFC.
• Raquel Pennington won the women's bantamweight title at UFC 297, with a potential title defense against Julianna Peña.