New Middleweight Champion Crowned at UFC 297 in Toronto

In a thrilling turn of events, the middleweight division has witnessed yet another champion emerge as Dricus du Plessis secured a split decision victory over Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297 in Toronto this past Saturday. This victory marks the fourth time in the last 15 months that the title has changed hands, with du Plessis narrowly outpointing Strickland in a closely contested bout.

A Clash of Titans

Du Plessis and Strickland certainly lived up to the expectations of fans inside the Scotiabank Arena, promising an intense showdown. Strickland showcased his formidable jab, akin to a piston, while du Plessis left no stone unturned in his quest to inflict damage. Strickland’s relentless attack almost closed du Plessis’ left eye due to swelling, while the South African fighter inflicted a nasty gash under Strickland’s left eye late in the match.

The Verdict

Ultimately, it was the judges who had the final say, and they deemed that du Plessis had done enough to dethrone the reigning champion. With this victory, du Plessis finds himself in the enviable position of having a slew of challengers eagerly waiting for their opportunity to strike.

Pennington’s Triumph in the Co-Main Event

In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington accomplished a remarkable feat, securing the women’s bantamweight title after a 12-year journey. She achieved this by outpointing Mayra Bueno Silva, overcoming dire situations where Bueno Silva appeared perilously close to locking in submissions. Pennington’s resilience and ability to dish out damage on her feet were commendable. She finished the fight by relentlessly pursuing a submission as Bueno Silva’s energy reserves dwindled. This victory is particularly sweet for Pennington, who has amassed an impressive record over the years and has now ascended to the pinnacle of her career, following her friend and longtime rival Amanda Nunes’ retirement announcement last year.