Clash of Titans at UFC 297: Strickland vs. du Plessis – Expert Picks and Fight Card Preview

Dricus du Plessis: The UFC’s octagon is set to sizzle as the controversial middleweight champion, Sean Strickland, gears up for his first title defense against the formidable Dricus du Plessis in the main event of UFC 297. The clash, scheduled for Saturday night, promises high-octane action and a test of contrasting styles in a matchup that has divided both fans and experts.

Background and Controversy:

Sean Strickland, known for his polarizing comments, shocked the MMA world by dethroning Israel Adesanya to claim the middleweight championship. Strickland’s victory was as much a result of his flawless execution as it was Adesanya having an off night. The controversy surrounding Strickland’s remarks has added an extra layer of intrigue to his fights, making him a fighter fans love to hate.

His opponent, Dricus du Plessis, was initially slated to face Adesanya before Strickland seized the opportunity. Du Plessis, rising to the top of the division, scored a significant upset over former champion Robert Whittaker in his last outing. The South African brings a raw and wild fighting style, creating a clash of techniques that promises fireworks.

Full Fight Card and Odds:

The UFC 297 fight card is stacked with exciting matchups, featuring notable names and rising talents across various weight classes. Here’s a quick look at the main card and the latest odds:

• Sean Strickland (c) vs. Dricus du Plessis (Middleweight Title)
  • Odds: Strickland -110 vs. du Plessis -110
• Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Raquel Pennington (Women’s Bantamweight Title)
  • Odds: Silva -170 vs. Pennington +145
• Mike Malott vs. Neil Magny (Welterweights)
  • Odds: Malott -370 vs. Magny +290
• Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweights)
  • Odds: Curtis -190 vs. Barriault +160
• Movsar Evloev vs. Arnold Allen (Featherweights)
  • Odds: Evloev -200 vs. Allen +170

The card is stacked with compelling matchups, offering a mix of title bouts and high-stakes contests that could significantly impact the rankings in various divisions.

Expert Picks and Predictions:

Our team of experts at CBS Sports, including Brent Brookhouse, Brian Campbell, Shakiel Mahjouri, Michael Mormile, and Brandon Wise, have weighed in with their predictions for the main card:

• Strickland vs. du Plessis:
  • Campbell: Dricus du Plessis
  • Brookhouse: Dricus du Plessis
  • Mahjouri: Sean Strickland
  • Mormile: Sean Strickland
  • Wise: Dricus du Plessis
• Bueno Silva vs. Pennington:
  • All five experts picked Mayra Bueno Silva.
• Malott vs. Magny:
  • All five experts picked Mike Malott.
• Curtis vs. Barriault:
  • Campbell: Marc-Andre Barriault
  • Brookhouse: Chris Curtis
  • Mahjouri: Chris Curtis
  • Mormile: Chris Curtis
  • Wise: Chris Curtis
• Evloev vs. Allen:
  • Campbell: Arnold Allen
  • Brookhouse: Arnold Allen
  • Mahjouri: Arnold Allen
  • Mormile: Arnold Allen
  • Wise: Movsar Evloev

The expert predictions reflect the uncertainty and excitement surrounding the matchups, with differing opinions on key fights.

Main Event Analysis:

Campbell points out that Strickland’s flawless victory over Adesanya might not be replicated against du Plessis, who brings elite power and physicality to the table. On the other hand, Brookhouse believes that Strickland’s worst performances come against physically strong opponents, giving du Plessis an edge with his raw and wild style.

Mahjouri highlights the importance of Strickland’s defense against du Plessis’s offensive onslaught. While du Plessis is potent, Strickland has the support of an experienced team, including Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick.

Conclusion:

As the UFC 297 approaches, fight fans can expect an unforgettable night of action with a mix of skill, strategy, and unpredictability. The expert picks set the stage for intense debates among fans, emphasizing the sport’s dynamic nature and the potential for underdogs to rise to the occasion.

Whether you’re a fan of Strickland’s controversial persona or du Plessis’s raw power, UFC 297 promises to deliver a spectacle that will be talked about for weeks to come. Tune in on Saturday night to witness the drama unfold inside the octagon.

Dricus du Plessis:

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