After a five-year absence, UFC is set to make its return to Toronto with UFC 297, the first major event of 2024. The pay-per-view event, which will take place at the Scotiabank Arena on Saturday night, promises to be a thrilling night of fights. The headline bout will feature middleweight champion Sean Strickland facing off against top contender Dricus Du Plessis in what promises to be an intense battle between two of the division’s top athletes.
The matchup between Strickland and Du Plessis comes at a pivotal time for the middleweight division. Following the end of Israel Adesanya’s title reign, both fighters have been making waves in their pursuit of the championship. Strickland’s recent victory over Adesanya added another layer of excitement to the upcoming fight, while Du Plessis has earned his title shot with a stunning TKO win over Robert Whittaker.
In addition to the middleweight title fight, the event will also see a showdown for the vacant women’s bantamweight title, as Raquel Pennington takes on Mayra Bueno Silva. With Amanda Nunes’ retirement leaving a significant gap in the division, both fighters will be looking to make their mark as they compete for the championship.
The undercard for UFC 297 is also packed with exciting matchups, including welterweight Mike Malott’s attempt to extend his winning streak against veteran Neil Magny, and Marc-Andre Barriault’s battle against rising middleweight Chris Curtis. The event will also feature a featherweight clash between Movsar Evloev and Arnold Allen.
The complete fight card for UFC 297, along with the latest odds, is listed below, providing fans with all the information they need to prepare for the action-packed event.
With its mix of high-stakes championship fights and exciting undercard matchups, UFC 297 promises to be a can’t-miss event for MMA fans. Be sure to tune in to ESPN+ PPV on January 20 to catch all the action live from the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Whether you’re a long-time UFC fan or new to the sport, UFC 297 is certain to deliver an unforgettable night of combat Sports Entertainment.