On Saturday, the highly anticipated UFC 297 event will take place at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, featuring a heated main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis. Strickland, the current middleweight champion, will be defending his title for the first time since his stunning victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293. The clash between Strickland and du Plessis is fueled by a contentious press conference held in December, further intensifying the fight.

Sean Strickland has emerged as an unlikely champion. His remarkable performance against Adesanya, a formidable opponent and one of the sport's greatest strikers, showcased his determination and skill. Strickland's relentless forward pressure, mastery of the jab and teeps, and solid defensive tactics proved to be the recipe for success against Adesanya. As he gears up to defend his title against du Plessis, Strickland aims to replicate the same strategy that brought him victory.

Fortunately for Strickland, du Plessis seems to be susceptible to aggressive offense. While du Plessis doesn't possess the same counter-striking ability as Adesanya, he tends to resort to a high guard and retreat when pressed. This creates opportunities for Strickland to throw combinations and exploit openings. Strickland's exceptional cardio, combined with his ability to target the body, could be crucial in wearing down du Plessis. Consistently backing him up and attacking the body may ultimately prove to be the key to securing victory for Strickland.

On the other hand, Dricus du Plessis brings a different fighting style to the table. As a physically imposing middleweight, du Plessis excels at imposing his mass on opponents with brute force. While he strives to move forward, du Plessis may encounter some challenges in pressuring Strickland, as he struggled to corner Robert Whittaker in his previous bout. However, du Plessis showcased his ground-and-pound prowess against Whittaker, using his grappling skills to dominate and unleash his ferocious attacks.

Du Plessis will likely look to leverage his grappling abilities against Strickland. While Strickland possesses solid grappling skills and defensive wrestling, du Plessis' powerful attacks from the clinch and effective ground-and-pound make him a formidable force. If du Plessis can successfully take Strickland down and secure top position, it may be difficult for the defending champion to escape without absorbing significant damage.

The build-up to this fight has been filled with intense animosity, with both fighters engaging in trash talk and a brawl during a previous event. While they seem to have buried the hatchet this week, the psychological impact of these heated exchanges cannot be overlooked. The pressure on Strickland is particularly evident, as he now carries the weight of defending his title and absorbing the attention that comes with it. On the other hand, du Plessis exudes confidence and composure, already carrying himself like a champion.

As these two rivals step into the Octagon, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Toronto. Strickland will be aiming to maintain his title reign, while du Plessis looks to seize the opportunity to become the new middleweight champion. Both fighters' strengths align with their opponent's weaknesses, making this matchup all the more intriguing.

UFC 297 will likely witness a fast-paced clash, where du Plessis' fast-starting style could potentially overpower Strickland before he can gather momentum. Additionally, du Plessis' ability to finish fights gives him an edge, as a decisive victory trumps a decision in close matchups.

The bout is expected to be action-packed and could potentially end before the final bell. Ultimately, the outcome will be determined by the seamless execution of strategies, adaptation in the heat of the match, and the ability to capitalize on advantageous opportunities.

UFC 297 is set to be an electrifying event for fight fans in Toronto, as Strickland and du Plessis square off in a clash that promises high stakes and intense competition.