UFC 297 Set to Feature Middleweight Title Clash Between Strickland and Du Plessis

Despite Pre-Fight Altercation, Both Fighters Insist Respect Remains Ahead of Toronto Showdown

UFC 297, the first numbered event of 2024, is set to take place in Toronto, Canada, featuring a middleweight title clash between reigning champ Sean Strickland and No.2-ranked contender Dricus du Plessis.
In the co-main event, No.2-ranked Raquel Pennington will face No.3-ranked Mayra Bueno Silva for the vacant women's bantamweight title.
Strickland, who won the middleweight title by outstriking Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, is looking to make his first successful title defense.
Du Plessis, on an eight-fight win streak, is coming off a triumph over former divisional champion Robert Whittaker.
Despite a heated pre-fight press conference and a physical altercation at UFC 296, both Strickland and Du Plessis insist their feud is exaggerated and maintain respect for each other.