In a thrilling showdown at UFC 297, Dricus du Plessis emerged victorious, becoming the first-ever South African UFC champion. The middleweight clash took place at Toronto's Scotiabank Arena and headlined the first UFC pay-per-view event of 2024.

The anticipation surrounding the fight between du Plessis and Sean Strickland was immense for several reasons. Fans were excited to witness the clash of contrasting fighting styles, with du Plessis known for his relentless forward pressure and Strickland renowned for his strength and physicality. Additionally, both fighters had experienced significant career transformations leading up to this moment, making it unclear which version of them would show up in the octagon.

The five-round battle lived up to the pre-fight expectations, showcasing the skill and mettle of both competitors. While Strickland claimed Rounds 1 and 5, du Plessis dominated the middle rounds, ultimately winning the bout by split decision. Dana White, the president of UFC, expressed the possibility of holding an event in South Africa in 2024 with du Plessis as the champion.

The victory cements du Plessis' status as an elite middleweight and adds to the unpredictability of the division. With four consecutive title changes, the middleweight division has become one of the most competitive in the sport. Speculation is already rife about potential future matchups, including grudge matches against the likes of Israel Adesanya or Khamzat Chimaev. The prospect of du Plessis defending his title at UFC 300 adds further excitement to the mix.

In another notable fight at UFC 297, Raquel Pennington claimed the women's bantamweight title, becoming the oldest female champion in UFC history at the age of 35. However, concerns were raised about the lack of depth and young talent in the division. The dismal state of the women's bantamweight ranks, with only one fighter under the age of 30 in the top-15 rankings, leaves little room for optimism about its future.

The featherweight clash between Arnold Allen and Movsar Evloev showcased incredible athleticism and skills, but was marred by controversy surrounding the interpretation of the grounded knee rule. The official inconsistency in applying this rule highlights its flaws and adds to the difficulty of officiating matches. These talented young fighters, along with current champion Alexander Volkanovski, are expected to play a vital role in shaping the future of the featherweight division.

Neil Magny's comeback victory at UFC 297 reinforces his reputation as one of the best gatekeepers in the sport. Magny's role in testing and assessing the readiness of up-and-coming fighters makes him a valuable figure in the welterweight division. His record-breaking achievements in the UFC, including most wins, most bouts, and longest fight time in the welterweight division, solidify his standing as a respected competitor.

Overall, UFC 297 delivered an evening of thrilling fights and historic moments. Dricus du Plessis' triumph as the first South African UFC champion marked a milestone for his country and further solidified the dynamic and competitive nature of the middleweight division. As the year progresses, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the ever-evolving world of UFC.