Top UFC Pick: Du Plessis ML (+120) [1u to win 1.20u] at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
In their return to Canadian soil, the UFC delivers a highly anticipated showdown between middleweight competitors that will determine a 185lb champion in the evening’s main event, and we’re covering all your betting needs.
The always-controversial Sean Strickland enters the Scotiabank Arena in Ontario to make his first title defense since defeating Israel Adesanya. Still, a formidable South African foe in Dricus Du Plessis is looking to end the reign before it’s even begun.
Read on for our complete betting guide with an early preview of the UFC 297 main event clash between Strickland and Du Plessis. We have included updated UFC odds and our expert UFC first-look betting picks, predictions, and analysis for you to profit at our main offshore sportsbooks!
UFC 297 Information
- When: Saturday, January 20, 2024 – 06:30 PM ET
- Where: Scotiabank Arena, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Scheduled Bouts: 12
- Main Event: Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
- Moneyline Probability: Strickland – 58.3% (-140) Du Plessis – 45.5% (+120)
UFC 297 Main Event
Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
Strickland vs. Du Plessis Key Betting Trends
- Du Plessis has won 5 of his 6 UFC bouts via KO/TKO (4) or submission (1).
- Strickland has gone the distance in 3 of his previous 4 UFC bouts.
- Du Plessis has never fought beyond the third round.
- Strickland’s two knockout defeats in the UFC were in the first round.
Sean Strickland
A division once dominated by Israel Adesanya without a worthy challenger has taken a sudden u-turn.
The middleweight weight class, currently spearheaded by Sean Strickland, has the likes of Khamzat Chimaev, Joe Pyfer, and Bo Nickal climbing the ranks.
But before those aforementioned savages get their shot, Strickland is looking to keep the momentum going following the most shocking win of 2023 against Adesanya by successfully defending the gold against the No.1 contender, Dricus Du Plessis.
Strickland Best Moneyline Odds: (-130) at Bovada (visit our Bovada Review)
Dricus Du Plessis
Du Plessis has garnered attention for many reasons since joining the organization in 2020, achieving a first-round knockout in his inaugural UFC fight.
The Pretoria representative has steadily climbed the rankings by consistently achieving victories through decisive outcomes. One of his most remarkable performances occurred in July when he faced off against the former 185-pound champion Robert Whittaker, a contest in which few believed he could win.
However, du Plessis once again proved his critics wrong by achieving a second-round knockout, securing an opportunity to compete for the championship this weekend.
Du Plessis Best Moneyline Odds: (+120) at BetOnline (visit our BetOnline Review)
UFC 297: Tale of the Tape
UFC 297 Skillset Analysis: Styles Make Fights
Skill-for-skill, Strickland possesses a greater amount of experience.
Since 2014, he has been a member of the roster and has progressively honed his abilities while advancing the standings.
Since 2020, when he returned to 185 pounds, ‘Tarzan’ has performed admirably. With only two defeats coming against Alex Pereira and Jared Cannonier, respectively, he has secured victories in eight of the previous ten bouts. Strickland has consistently fought behind his jab, interspersing the occasional takedown.
Du Plessis, as opposed to Strickland’s record, which was burdened with decisions, is a bonified finisher.
Not only is ‘Stillknocks’ undefeated with a 6-0 record in the UFC, but he has also submitted five of his opponents, with only the formidable Brad Tavares enduring the distance. Furthermore, the South African has demonstrated proficiency in every domain. He defeated Darren Till on the ground and also managed to outmaneuver the perilous Derek Brunson on the mat.
At the same time, his other victories resulted from his awkward yet lightning-fast and useful strikes.
Du Plessis Moneyline: The UFC 297 Best Bet Formula
The UFC odds have placed Strickland as a slight betting favorite, and honestly, the oddsmakers are spot on; this contest is a coin flip.
In a coin-flip situation, we must take the plus-money on offer, especially considering BetOnline offers +0.10 more value than most bookmakers.
Sure, du Plessis isn’t the most skilled striker, but his ungainly technique and ferocious power have proved too difficult to solve. Even Whittaker, who had only previously lost to Adesanya at middleweight, was overwhelmed by his power.
I’m taking the plus-money without thinking twice.
Although I can envision both fighters walking out of the Scotiabank Arena with the middleweight strap, there’s something oddly unique about Du Plessis and his fight style that no UFC competitor has been able to solve to date.
The defeat suffered by Strickland in the initial round against Alex Pereira in 2022 highlights the consequences of deviating from his intended game plan while facing a skilled and powerful kickboxer. When considering his subsequent defeat to Jared Cannonier, it becomes evident that Strickland is not impervious to the superior 185-pound fighters in the promotion.
UFC Pick: Du Plessis ML (+120) [1u to win 1.20u] at BetOnline
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
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