"Dricus Du Plessis Claims UFC Middleweight Title in Split Decision Victory Over Sean Strickland at UFC 297"

Dricus Du Plessis claimed the middleweight title at UFC 297 by winning a split decision over Sean Strickland in a grueling five-round fight at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. Du Plessis pressed the action throughout, mixed in timely takedowns, and withstood Strickland's early jab effectiveness to secure the victory. The fight was marked by both fighters sustaining visible damage, with Du Plessis calling out former champion Israel Adesanya after the win.