UFC 297 Results and Highlights, Result Card

UFC 297 Results and Highlights, Result Card, In the realm of combat sports, a longstanding adage asserts that one’s true championship mettle is revealed through the successful defense of their title.

In this context, Sean Strickland fell just short of cementing his championship credentials, as he succumbed to a split decision loss against Dricus du Plessis in the headline bout of UFC 297 this past Saturday. Despite the defeat, Strickland matched his opponent blow for blow, captivating a spirited crowd in Toronto.

Initiating the bout with kicks and a formidable jab, Strickland compelled du Plessis to navigate challenging terrain to close the distance for his potent strikes. While du Plessis secured a takedown in the opening round, it proved inconsequential as the fight swiftly returned to the feet, where Strickland demonstrated superior and efficient striking.

Persistently relying on his jab, Strickland compelled du Plessis to endure a barrage of shots to penetrate his defense. Adjusting his strategy, du Plessis targeted the body, setting up looping punches and sporadic takedowns. Notably, Strickland’s relentless jab inflicted significant swelling on du Plessis’ left eye, while an overhand shot opened a cut over Strickland’s right eye.

The contest evolved into a clash between Strickland’s jab and occasional right hand versus du Plessis’ power shots and relentless pressure. As the minutes elapsed, with du Plessis navigating his first five-round bout, Strickland suffered more pronounced cuts, with blood impairing his vision. Despite Strickland’s efforts to finish strong in the fifth round, du Plessis matched him strike for strike, securing the decision with scores of 48-47, 47-48, and 48-47. This victory dispelled any doubts about du Plessis’ stamina in extended bouts.

Post-fight, du Plessis expressed his enjoyment of the triumph and issued a callout to former champion Israel Adesanya, reigniting their existing rivalry. Strickland, who had claimed the belt from Adesanya in September, acknowledged du Plessis’ victory and hinted at the prospect of a rematch.

With this triumph, du Plessis extended his UFC record to an unblemished 7-0, with Strickland becoming only the second fighter in du Plessis’ career to take him to a judges’ decision, the first being Brad Tavares in July 2022.

In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington culminated a 12-year journey by clinching the women’s bantamweight title. Overcoming precarious situations, Pennington rallied to inflict damage on the feet, ultimately submitting a fatigued Mayra Bueno Silva. This victory marked a significant milestone for Pennington, who ascended to the summit following Amanda Nunes’ retirement last year. Join TELEGRAM

For comprehensive coverage of UFC 297, CBS Sports was there every step of the way, delivering all the results and highlights from the event.

UFC 297 results card

Dricus du Plessis def. Sean Strickland (c) via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47)
Raquel Pennington def. Mayra Bueno Silva def. via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
Neil Magny def. Mike Malott via third-round TKO (punches)
Chris Curtis def. Marc-Andre Barriault via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Movsar Evloev def. Arnold Allen via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Garrett Armfield def. Brad Katona via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Sean Woodson def. Charles Jourdain via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Ramon Taveras def. Serhiy Sidey via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Gillian Robertson def. Polyana Viana via second-round TKO (punches)
Sam Patterson def. Yohan Lainesse via first-round submission (rear-naked choke)
Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Priscila Cachoeira via third-round submission (D’arce choke)
Jimmy Flick def. Malcolm Gordon via second-round submission (triangle choke)