According to ESPN.com, UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland is set to defend his title against Dricus Du Plessis in a highly anticipated fight scheduled for January. The announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White on Monday.

Strickland, with a record of 28-5, will be seeking his first title defense after causing a major upset by defeating Israel Adesanya for the belt in September. The upcoming 185-pound title fight will serve as the main event for UFC 297, taking place in Toronto on January 20, according to sources.

Initially, the UFC considered an immediate rematch between Strickland and Adesanya, who holds a 24-3 record. However, Adesanya has chosen to take an indefinite break from professional competition, leading to the matchup between Strickland and Du Plessis.

Du Plessis, hailing from South Africa, was originally scheduled to face Adesanya before Strickland. However, he had to take time off due to injury. With a record of 20-2, Du Plessis earned his title shot by delivering a knockout blow to former champion Robert Whittaker in July. He boasts an impressive 5-0 record in the UFC and has secured notable finishes over Derek Brunson and Darren Till.

Strickland, at 32 years old, has been on a remarkable three-fight winning streak. Just last year, he experienced two consecutive losses against Alex Pereira and Jared Cannonier, seemingly far from title contention. However, his rise to the middleweight crown within a span of nine months has been regarded as one of this year's most outstanding breakthrough performances.

As the date for UFC 297 draws near, all eyes will be on Strickland and Du Plessis as they prepare to clash for the middleweight championship. Fight fans can expect an exhilarating showdown between two formidable competitors in their prime.