Preview and predictions for UFC 297

UFC 297 crosses the border into Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena Saturday evening, with two championship fights on the schedule. The undercard is solid as well, and here’s a preview of the top UFC 297 fights of the night, including our predictions.

Du Plessis vs. Strickland

It’s the marquee pairing of the night, a middleweight championship bout between Dricus Du Plessis (20-2-0) and Sean Strickland (28-5-0). 

Strickland was able to put himself on the map in 2023 with a unanimous decision over Israel Adesanya in Sydney. He will now try to retain the UFC Middleweight Championship against Du Plessis. 

The line is suggesting a close bout, as it’s listed as -115 on both sides, according to MMA odds. Over-under on this scheduled five-rounder is 2.5. 

Take Strickland to retain his championship belt on what should be quite the fight. 

Pennington vs. Silva

There’s a co-main event on the docket, featuring the bantamweights. a weight class currently without a champion. 

Mayra Bueno Silva (-160) is the wagering choice over Raquel Pennington (+130) in another scheduled five-round affair. Pennington is 15-9-0, Silva at 10-2-1 with one no-contest.

While the main event might not last that long, this bout should go the distance. Both Pennington and Silva are calculated fighters who await an opportunity. Silva’s been the more impressive fighter over the last few months, but Pennington’s had a better overall career. 

Back the veteran Pennington to take home the bantamweight belt with a solid win in this event.

Magny vs. Malott

There doesn’t have to be a title on the line in order to generate some excitement. That is going to be evident when Neil Magny (28-12-0) squares off against Mike Malott (10-1-1) in an interesting welterweight bout. 

Magny’s had a terrific career in UFC, though unable to crack the top 10 in the rankings. He’s the underdog in this bout at +250.

Malott has ascended the ladder over the last two years, and can’t afford a setback here. It’s only scheduled as a three-round bout. It ends before that (-180/+150), as per Magny vs. Malott odds.

Malott is the prohibitive favorite at -350. He’s the more violent fighter, and will do some damage here. Expect him to win rather convincingly.

Peruse the Pairings

UFC 297 in Toronto has other good fights worth a wager.  Of course, there are other bouts we wouldn’t recommend. Look at the board in its entirety, do some homework and find the value