Du Plessis Promises Quick Finish Against Strickland at UFC 297

Dricus Du Plessis, holding a record of 20-2 in MMA and 6-0 in the UFC, is set to challenge middleweight champion Sean Strickland, who stands at 28-5 MMA and 15-5 UFC, at UFC 297. This headliner event, scheduled for January 20 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, is anticipated to be a decisive clash, with Du Plessis vowing a swift conclusion.

A former EFC dual-champion, Du Plessis is confident in his championship round experience but insists it won’t be necessary this time. With 19 of his 20 wins being finishes, he is known for his aggressive style, recently highlighted by a TKO victory over ex-champ Robert Whittaker. Similarly, Strickland has demonstrated his prowess by dethroning Israel Adesanya, setting the stage for an explosive encounter.

In his conversation with My MMA News, Du Plessis emphasized the entertainment value of the upcoming fight, reflecting on his career’s highs and lows,

“I’ve had great performances, and I’ve had not so good performances in my career, in the UFC and out of the UFC… But not one of those performances, good or bad, was not entertaining.” He further added, “He (Strickland) doesn’t like to fight backwards, and I promise you I’m not fighting backwards.”

Du Plessis’ prediction of a fight ending before reaching championship rounds against Strickland at UFC 297 signals an exciting matchup. With both fighters known for their forward fighting style, fans can expect an action-packed event.