The Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Canada, witnessed an electrifying spectacle as UFC 297 unfolded last Saturday night. The event showcased a thrilling card filled with close contests, brutal finishes, and the emergence of new champions. Let’s dive into the highlights of the main event, the co-main event, and some of the most noteworthy results that left fans on the edge of their seats.
Main Event: Du Plessis vs. Strickland
A. Dricus Du Plessis Claims Middleweight Title
In a grueling five-round battle, South African Dricus Du Plessis showcased resilience and superior grappling skills, outlasting Sean Strickland. The narrow split decision victory (49-48, 49-48, 48-49) marked Du Plessis’ seventh consecutive win, crowning him the undisputed UFC middleweight champion.
III. Co-Main Event: Pennington vs. Bueno Silva
A. Raquel Pennington’s Dominance
Seasoned veteran Raquel Pennington silenced doubters with a dominant five-round unanimous decision victory over Mayra Bueno Silva. Controlling the fight with superior wrestling and relentless pressure, Pennington claimed the vacant UFC women’s bantamweight championship, securing a comfortable 50-45, 50-44, and 50-43 scorecards.
Other Notable Results
A. Neil Magny’s Comeback Victory
Neil Magny staged a stunning comeback with a TKO victory over Mike Malott in a welterweight clash, demonstrating resilience and skill.
B. Gillian Robertson’s Blistering Finish
Gillian Robertson delivered a blistering second-round TKO finish over Polyana Viana in the women’s strawweight division, showcasing her prowess in the octagon.
C. Ignacio Bahamondes’ Highlight-Reel KO
Ignacio Bahamondes scored a highlight-reel spinning back kick KO over Marc-André Barriault in a thrilling lightweight bout, leaving fans in awe of his striking abilities.
D. Chris Curtis’ Close Victory
Chris Curtis edged out a close split decision victory against Marc-André Barriault in a middleweight matchup, displaying the competitiveness of the UFC roster.
Fight Night Bonuses
A. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland: Fight of the Night
The main event between Du Plessis and Strickland earned the Fight of the Night bonus, recognizing their epic battle in the octagon.
B. Ilia Topuria, Performance of the Night
Ilia Topuria secured the Performance of the Night bonus with a submission win over Charles Oliveira, displaying exceptional skills on the ground.
C. Amanda Lemos, Performance of the Night
Amanda Lemos earned the Performance of the Night bonus with a KO win over Juliana Lima, showcasing her striking prowess.
Attendance and Gate
A. Packed Arena and Impressive Gate
A total of 18,559 fans packed the Scotiabank Arena, generating an impressive $8 million gate, emphasizing the enduring popularity of UFC events.
Conclusion
UFC 297 not only delivered an unforgettable night of action but also set the bar high for upcoming events. With new champions crowned, exciting finishes, and veteran fighters proving their worth, the world of mixed martial arts continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Table of Contents
FAQs: UFC 297 Unveiled
- Q: Who won the UFC middleweight championship in the main event of UFC 297?
- Dricus Du Plessis claimed the UFC middleweight championship by defeating Sean Strickland.
- Q: How did Raquel Pennington win the UFC women’s bantamweight championship in the co-main event?
- Raquel Pennington won the UFC women’s bantamweight championship with a dominant five-round unanimous decision victory over Mayra Bueno Silva.
- Q: What was the fight of the night at UFC 297?
- A: The main event between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland earned the Fight of the Night bonus.
- Q: Who earned the Performance of the Night bonuses at UFC 297?
- Ilia Topuria (submission win over Charles Oliveira) and Amanda Lemos (KO win over Juliana Lima) secured the Performance of the Night bonuses.
- Q: How many fans attended UFC 297 at the Scotiabank Arena, and what was the gate revenue?
- A total of 18,559 fans attended UFC 297, generating an impressive $8 million gate.