UFC 297 results, highlights: Dricus du Plessis outpoints Sean Strickland to earn middleweight title UFC 297: Dricus Du Plessis wins split decision over Sean Strickland to claim middleweight title UFC 297 results: Du Plessis, Pennington leave with UFC gold #seanstrickland #dricusduplessis #ufc297 Dricus Du Plessis emerged victorious in a thrilling clash against Sean Strickland at UFC 297, marking a historic moment for South Africa as Du Plessis claimed the middleweight title. The intense, bloody battle at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto culminated in a split decision (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) in favor of Du Plessis. While the fight could have swung in Strickland's direction, Du Plessis proudly called for the South African flag upon hearing the scorecards. Postfight, he declared, "This is history." In the co-main event, Raquel Pennington secured the vacant UFC women's bantamweight title with a unanimous decision victory over Mayra Bueno Silva. Pennington showcased resilience against submissi