UFC 297: Complete program, main narratives, itinerary, bout timings, and outcomes

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UFC 297, scheduled for Saturday night, includes two title bouts and a highly anticipated matchup between featherweight contenders. As the first Pay-Per-View event of 2024, the card may not attract the casual fan but promises to offer valuable insights into the middleweight division and potentially reveal the depth of talent in the featherweight category.

UFC 297 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, will feature a main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis for the Middleweight championship (Start time 10 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV; Key fights in bold, all odds via BetMGM).

Sean Strickland (28-5) is defending the title he surprisingly claimed from Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 in September. Dricus Du Plessis (20-2) is entering the matchup after a significant upset, knocking out former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. Strickland showcases elite boxing skills and a formidable jab, while Du Plessis possesses fight-altering power. Despite questions about Du Plessis’ endurance, his strength and knockout power could potentially conclude the fight before reaching that stage.

• In the Women’s bantamweight championship, Raquel Pennington (+145) is set to face Mayra Bueno Silva (-175)

The title vacated by Amanda Nunes, the greatest female fighter in MMA history. Pennington, with a record of 15-8, enters the bout on a five-fight winning streak, including a split-decision victory over Ketlen Vieira. Bueno Silva (10-2-1) holds a three-fight win streak, with two victories ending inside the distance. Despite being the rightful favorite with a strength advantage, Bueno Silva, Pennington (15-8), could find a path to victory by staying busy and employing point-fighting tactics.

• Welterweight: Neil Magny (+310) is set to face Mike Malott (-400).

• In the Middleweight division, Chris Curtis (-200) will take on Marc-Andre Barriault (+165).

• Featherweight clash features Arnold Allen (+155) against Movsar Evloev (-185).

The highly anticipated featherweight clash between Britain’s Arnold Allen (19-2) and the undefeated Movsar Evloev (17-0) is dubbed the people’s main event. Allen, who was on a winning streak after victories over Sodiq Yusuff, Dan Hooker, and Calvin Kattar, faced a tough loss against the legendary Max Holloway in his last bout. Now, he looks to bounce back against the undefeated Evloev, who boasts decision wins over Nik Lenz, Dan Ige, and Diego Lopes. This matchup presents a significant step up in competition for the Russian contender, showcasing a classic contrast of styles as Allen brings a well-rounded striking game, while Evloev is known for his elite grappling skills.

Prelims (Start time 8 p.m. ET, ESPN+):

• Bantamweight: Garrett Armfield secures victory over Brad Katona via decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

• Featherweight: Sean Woodson edges out Charles Jourdain via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

• Bantamweight: Ramon Tavares claims victory over Serhiy Sidey via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

• In Women’s strawweight, Gillian Robertson secures a victory over Polyana Viana via TKO at 3:12 of Round 2.

In the early prelims (Start time 6:30 p.m. ET, ESPN+):

• Welterweight: Sam Patterson secures victory over Yohan Lainesse via rear-naked choke at 2:03 of the first round.

• Women’s flyweight: Jasmine Jasudavicius claims victory over Priscila Cachoeira via D’arce choke at 4:21 of the third round.

• Flyweight: Jimmy Flick emerges victorious against Malcolm Gordon via arm triangle at 1:17 of the second round.