UFC 297: Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis Get Personal

(Photo : Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 10: Sean Strickland of United States reacts as he claims victory over Israel Adesanya of Nigeria to become the new middleweight champion of the world during the UFC 293 event at Qudos Bank Arena on September 10, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (

UFC 297: Sean Strickland Vs. Dricus Du Plessis

UFC 297, the first pay-per-view event of 2024, emanating from Scotiabank Arena in Toronto this Saturday. This marks the promotion's first visit to Toronto in over five years.

The Main Event features Sean Strickland (28-5) defending his UFC middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis (20-2).

The two fighters did not mince many words with each other during the build-up of the anticipated bout as they have gotten confrontational with each other at times as well.

Du Plessis, who is known for trash talking his opponents, took jabs at Strickland, referencing his father, who he says physically abused him as a child.

Strickland, on his podcast, The Man Dance, stated that he wasn't taking Du Plessis' words lightly, saying that he crossed the line.

"I sent him a message and was like, 'Listen, Dricus. We're going to go try and murder each other, but if you bring that s--- up again, I will f---ing stab you," Strickland said. "Press conference, weigh-in. He was cool about it, he was cool about it. But again, I'm not telling you I don't want to fight you, Dricus. I'm not saying you're not a good fighter. I'm just saying that that's a line that, when crossed, transcends fighting."

Strickland added, "If I go to Canada and you bring that up, guess what? I'm going to jail, they're going to deport me and we spend eight weeks of training for no f---ing reason."

The verbal back and forth between these fighters has gotten to the point where the fighters have gotten confrontational with each other.

The two got into a scuffle at UFC 296 in Las Vegas last month. Strickland attacked Du Plessis while they were sitting close to the Octagon.

This fight would mark Strickland's first title defense since defeating Israel Adesanya for the belt back in September.

Strickland would have his hands full on Saturday when he takes on Du Plessis.

UFC 297: Other Fights on the Card

Other fights on the cards will consist of Raquel Pennington facing Mayra Bueno for the vacant UFC women's bantamweight title.

The rest of the main card includes Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott in a welterweight clash, Chris Curtis vs. Canadian Marc-Andre Barriault in a middleweight bout, and Arnold Allen vs. undefeated featherweight Movsar Evloev.