UFC 297: Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis 1/20/2024 Fight Forecast, Picks and Analysis

UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis 1/20/2024 – As UFC 297 draws nearer, all eyes are focused on Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis’ exciting middleweight title matchup at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada. Not only will this fight feature striking and grappling styles with distinct records that clash, but fans and bettors alike are eagerly awaiting its outcome; with predictions running high online casinos and betting platforms.

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Main Card

Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland is a premier middleweight fighter who brings an exceptional blend of tactical acumen and physical resilience into combat sports. With 28 wins on his record against various opponents over years of competition, his adaptability speaks for itself in combat sports. Strickland relies heavily on an orthodox stance as part of his fighting style to establish a solid platform from which to deliver strikes while protecting himself against opponents; his 5.82 Strikes Landed per Minute rating provides further proof of this; although Du Plessis may challenge this area due to his 41% striking accuracy; Strickland stands out defensively with an outstanding 63% defense rate and 84% takedown defense rating; his ability to keep fights standing could prove essential against his grappling threat.

Strickland approaches fights with an optimal mix of aggression and caution. His average fight time of 14:43 illustrates this. This strategy has served him well, as evidenced by his recent victory against Adesanya where his technical skill as well as mental fortitude was on full display. While grappling isn’t Strickland’s primary strength, his ability to execute or defend takedowns coupled with an average submission average of 0.2 suggests he can handle himself on the ground effectively. Strickland may leverage his defensive abilities against Du Plessis to wear him down over the course of a fight and capitalize on any fatigue or slippage in Du Plessis’ game as they occur.

Dricus Du Plessis

Dricus Du Plessis steps into the octagon as a dynamic and explosive fighter with an impressive 20-2-0 record, boasting his switch stance as a cornerstone of his fighting style. This provides him with flexibility in adapting and responding to opponent movements and attacks; especially useful during striking exchanges when attacking or defending from various angles. His striking prowess can be evidenced by an outstanding SLpM score of 6.95 as well as 55% strike accuracy rate, further attesting his prowess as evidence. Du Plessis’ striking ability, combined with an average fight time of 9:11, suggests an aggressive style aimed at overwhelming his opponents early. Defensively he has shown weakness by ranking 53%; which could prove particularly vulnerable against someone like Strickland who has shown proficiency at striking.

Du Plessis stands out in his grappling game, an aspect which could prove crucial against Strickland. With 2.72 takedowns per 15 minutes and an average submission average of 1.1, his grappling edge may prove essential against Strickland’s defensive capabilities. Du Plessis may use his superior striking accuracy to open opportunities for takedowns and submissions against Strickland; his victory against Whittaker shows this is effective. Du Plessis must navigate around Strickland’s strong defense while simultaneously applying his grappling game while managing energy and pace to avoid getting drawn into prolonged battle which favors Strickland.