Du Plessis Wins to Become UFC Middleweight Champion

 

South Africa's Dricus du Plessis is now the UFC middleweight world champion! He won the title by beating Sean Strickland in a tough main event at UFC 297 in Ontario, Canada, on Sunday morning, January 21, 2024.

In a split decision (47-48 48-47 48-47), 'Stillknocks' showed great toughness and a mix of attacks that was just enough to dethrone the champion. Strickland displayed excellent boxing skills but couldn't stop the challenger from constantly moving forward.

Strickland dominated the first round with his jab and ability to defend against Du Plessis' leg kicks, even though the challenger managed a takedown. Du Plessis continued to press forward in rounds two through four, landing takedowns and causing a nasty cut over Strickland's left eye.

The champion increased his attacks in the fifth round, and the fight concluded with both fighters throwing a flurry of strikes. It was an outstanding match that went all the way to the judges' scorecards.

When they announced "and new," confirming DDP's victory, he celebrated in the Octagon with his coaches, team, and loved ones before talking to UFC great Daniel Cormier.

"I honestly thought, with the takedowns I made sure every round... I could feel it was a close fight, I definitely gave him the first round," said du Plessis. "I tried to get that takedown in the first to level the playing field, and I felt that he gets up really well, but I can get under him and get him down because I’m stronger.

"I felt the first three rounds was give and take, but the last two rounds I know... everybody said when it goes past halfway, and I had a point to prove... how’s that for round four and five. Who says this guy’s not a five-round fighter, what did I tell you?”

In the co-main event, 'Rocky' Raquel Pennington outlasted Mayra Bueno Silva over five rounds to win the women’s bantamweight championship via unanimous decision.

“I have climbed mountains to get back here,” said Pennington, who fought for the title back in May 2018 but was beaten by all-time great Amanda Nunes.

The rest of the main card featured Neil Magny stopping Mike Malott in the third round of their welterweight clash; Chris Curtis picking up a split decision win over Marc-Andre Barriault in the middleweight division; and Movsar Evloev outpointing Arnold Allen over three rounds of their featherweight fight.

The next UFC event is a Fight Night at the APEX Facility in Las Vegas on the morning of Sunday, February 4, headlined by a middleweight match between Roman Dolidze and Nassourdine Imavov.

UFC 297 – Main card results:

• Main event: Middleweight championship: Dricus du Plessis def. Sean Strickland via split decision (47-48 48-47 48-47), R5, 5:00

• Co-main: Women’s bantamweight championship: Raquel Pennington def. Mayra Bueno Silva via unanimous decision (49-46 49-46 49-45), R5, 5:00

• Welterweight: Neil Magny def. Mike Malott via TKO (punches), R3, 4:45

• Middleweight: Chris Curtis def. Marc-Andre Barriault via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27), R3, 5:00

• Featherweight: Movsar Evloev def. Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (29-28 29-28 29-28), R3, 5:00

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