UFC 297: Strickland vs. Du Plessis

The official Tapology discussion thread for the event!

@CrimsonChinGuru 

 I saw Woodson in Nashville and agree its highly frustrating. 

Strickland vs. Du Plessis
Sean Strickland, TKO
Dricus will go full gas on Strickland because he want that title so much, Strickland will hit counter and rest is a history.

Lainesse vs. Patterson
Sam Patterson
This 2 guys is hard to predict but my gut tell me Patterson.

Gordon vs. Flick
Jimmy Flick, SUB
Another hard one to predict both are bad theese days, but i think Flick will outgrapple him.

Magny vs. Malott
Mike Malott, TKO, R2
i’m

In my opinion, there should be more women bantamweight fights because usually they are good fights. The best one of last year comes to mind immediately, Aldana vs. Rosa.  But I think that was only 1 of 14 in the UFC last year. 

It is difficult to build a division with such a low number of fights. These other 4 bantamweight fights from last year were also very entertaining; Tainara Lisboa vs. Jessica-Rose Clark, Amanda Nunes vs. Irene Aldana, Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Holly Holm, and Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila. 

Bueno Silva is an exciting fighter, whose wins usually come from a submission. Also it is very impressive to see Pennington in a championship fight again after so many years. 

In the future, the winner will probably defend against Peña or against the winner of Dumont vs. GDR. Both scenarios are intriguing. 

     Like, I can't imagine Dricus winning the first two rounds like everyone claims he will if he doesn't drop or G&P Sean; it has to be a finish imo. His wrestling hasn't really blown me away either, I don't see him rag dolling Sean at all. Feel free to let me know if I'm being dumb (I know he subbed an entire Gracie gym but it's not just BJJ in the fight, it's grappling and potentially cage grabs).

A lot has been made of DDP's cardio issues but don't forget he basically didn't have a nose prior to his last fight when he had gotten surgery on it. I think considering he could only breathe out of his mouth he had an impressive output even as he was huffing and puffing his way through fights. His output never really went into the dumpster, he just looked very tired.

I do expect Sean to be favored in later rounds but I'm not sure we'll see the cardio of DDP with a fixed nose fall off a cliff because he never death-gassed even without a nose.

lol this is where PPV at for what 80$ or more. 

Allen vs. Evloev
Arnold Allen, DEC
This is the toughest fight on the card to call for me and such a high level fight. Allen probably has the slight striking advantage, but Evloev can definitely hang there. When you factor in Evloev's wrestling it gets tricky. Allen has great movement to avoid being held against the cage and I think his takedown defense will hold up for the most part. He gets the better of the striking exchanges and the damage shows on Evloev's face. Allen takes a 29-28 SD in what could be FOTN

Katona vs. Armfield
Brad Katona, DEC
This fight is going to be a lot more competitive and fun than people think. Armfield had moments fighting up a weight class on a few days notice against Onama. He followed that up with a dominant performance in his debut back at 135 where he showed off his striking. I think Katona's experience and well roundedness gets him the decision win here, but I wouldn't be surprised if Armstead pulled off the upset.

Jourdain vs. Woodson
Charles Jourdain, SUB, R1
If you watched the Woodson/Saldaña fight you know this is a terrible matchup for Woodson. Jourdain is great at pulling you in then countering and throwing combinations. I think he can counter Woodson and drop him similar to how Saldaña did, then jump on his neck for the finish.

Sidey vs. Taveras II
Serhiy Sidey, TKO, R2
In their first fight on the Contender Series this was pretty competitive up until the early stoppage. This fight has a good storyline behind it and should be a slugfest on the feet while it lasts, but I don't see the result being much different.

@PickingMyNose 

I think you have some good points, DDP is not a polished wrestler or BJJ guy though he is a world class striker people don't recognize that.
On paper he still holds all those cards over Sean, however belts and conventional martial arts often fail in mma.
Also DDP is cartoonishly strong no other way to say it and this is where Sean will be at his weakest literally.
Sean will be winning until he is not unless he can pitch a perfect game like he did on Izzy.
I don't see a world where Sean doesn't have the cardio edge also more efficient helps preserve. 
Last thing DDP is erratic and a bit off making defense very tricky not good for Sean's hand jive defense. 

The kid storming the stage at the pre-fight presser for Strickland 😂😂

Barriault got asked a question then some kid ran on and he never got to even say a word 😂

I don't know that DDP has cardio issues so much as he's just built like brick **** house. Dude carries a ton of muscle. I also think the whole thing with his nose is talked about way more than it should. Sure it might help him breath a little better and that could help improve his cardio to an extent, but his body composition plays a much bigger factor.

There's no question who has the better cardio between these two but there's also no question who hits harder. It really will be very interesting if this fight hits the mat. I think this is the most torn I've been over a main event since Cejudo vs. Sterling. 

Not worth it imo to spend extra time on main events, they are often some of the most difficult to predict fights. Both these guys clearly have huge flaws in how they fight but both have had huge success regardless.

I’m actually kinda exited for this event, mainly because I’m going to illegal stream it.  it’s not $70 and it a scam for it to be $70 and not free. But I think they fun thing on the main card if your not paying for it. Movser vs Allen is a interesting high level fight , Curtis vs MAB will be a brawl, Mallott vs Magny is a squash match, I’m a massive Myra Buenno fan, hope she wins.And the main event is one is of my hyped fights right now 

It’s rare for UFC card to be not worth watching for me if I’m illegal streaming them. They’re usually entertaining stuff on all cards 

* Edited at 01.18.2024, 7:11 PM ET *

Strickland vs. Du Plessis
Sean Strickland, DEC
Tarzan will win

Pennington vs. Bueno Silva
Mayra Bueno Silva, SUB, R3
MBS will win

Magny vs. Malott
Mike Malott, TKO, R1
MM for W

Curtis vs. Barriault
Chris Curtis, DEC
CC for W

Allen vs. Evloev
Arnold Allen, DEC
AA for W

Katona vs. Armfield
Brad Katona, DEC
Superman for the W

Jourdain vs. Woodson
Charles Jourdain, DEC
Air for W

Sidey vs. Taveras II
Serhiy Sidey, DEC
SS for W

Robertson vs. Viana
Gillian Robertson, SUB, R1
Red for the W

Lainesse vs. Patterson
Sam Patterson, TKO, R1
Sam will win

Jasudavicius vs. Cachoeira
Jasmine Jasudavicius, SUB, R1
JJ for the W

Gordon vs. Flick
Jimmy Flick, SUB, R1
Brick for W

 Here's a more comprehensive overview of each matchup in the UFC 297 fight card, including detailed evaluations.


UFC 297 Fight Card Overview

1. Sean Strickland vs. Dricus Du Plessis
   • Prediction:Sean Strickland
   • Method:Decision
   • Confidence:60%
   • Evaluation:Strickland's experience against top-level competition and his ability to maintain a high pace could neutralize Du Plessis' aggressive striking. Strickland's fight IQ and endurance in five-round fights give him an edge.
2. Raquel Pennington vs. Mayra Bueno Silva
   • Prediction:Raquel Pennington
   • Method:Decision
   • Confidence:65%
   • Evaluation:Pennington's superior striking and grappling mix, combined with her experience in high-pressure fights, make her the favorite. Silva's submission threat is significant, but Pennington's takedown defense and striking versatility should prevail.
3. Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott
   • Prediction:Neil Magny
   • Method:Decision
   • Confidence:60%
   • Evaluation:Magny's long reach and ability to fight effectively at range, coupled with his experience, should counter Malott's power and aggression. Magny's cardio and fight management are likely to control the pace.
4. Chris Curtis vs. Marc-Andre Barriault
   • Prediction:Chris Curtis
   • Method:Decision
   • Confidence:58%
   • Evaluation:Curtis's ability to absorb pressure and deliver counter-strikes is key. Barriault's high work rate and durability make him competitive, but Curtis's sharper boxing and experience under pressure could be decisive.
5. Arnold Allen vs. Movsar Evloev
   • Prediction:Movsar Evloev
   • Method:Decision
   • Confidence:65%
   • Evaluation:Evloev's wrestling and control, along with his striking improvements, make him a formidable opponent. Allen's well-roundedness is notable, but Evloev's grappling and pressure might overwhelm him.
6. Brad Katona vs. Garrett Armfield
   • Prediction:Garrett Armfield
   • Method:TKO/KO
   • Round:3
   • Confidence:60%
   • Evaluation:Armfield's striking power and reach advantage, combined with his ability to maintain a high output, pose a significant threat to Katona. Katona's resilience and technical skills are notable, but Armfield's aggression might prove overwhelming.
7. Charles Jourdain vs. Sean Woodson
   • Prediction:Sean Woodson
   • Method:Decision
   • Confidence:62%
   • Evaluation:Woodson's significant reach and height advantage, combined with his unique striking style, could trouble Jourdain. Jourdain's aggressiveness and power are threats, but Woodson's ability to fight at distance might control the matchup.
8. Serhiy Sidey vs. Ramon Taveras
   • Prediction:Ramon Taveras
   • Method:TKO/KO
   • Round:2
   • Confidence:68%
   • Evaluation:Taveras's aggression and striking volume, coupled with his ability to maintain a high pace, are expected to test Sidey's defenses. Sidey's striking is solid, but Taveras's pressure and power might be too much.
9. Gillian Robertson vs. Polyana Viana
   • Prediction:Polyana Viana
   • Method:Submission
   • Round:2
   • Confidence:63%
   • Evaluation:Viana's submission skills and aggressive ground game could exploit Robertson's grappling style. Robertson's experience and well-roundedness are significant, but Viana's submission threat may dominate on the ground.
10. Yohan Lainesse vs. Sam Patterson
    • Prediction:Yohan Lainesse
    • Method:TKO/KO
    • Round:2
    • Confidence:60%
    • Evaluation:Lainesse's power and striking accuracy could be decisive against Patterson's striking and reach. Patterson's versatility is notable, but Lainesse's ability to capitalize on openings with power strikes gives him the edge.
11. Jasmine Jasudavicius vs. Priscila Cachoeira
    • Prediction:Jasmine Jasudavicius
    • Method:Decision
    • Confidence:62%
    • Evaluation:Jasudavicius's cardio and ability to maintain a high pace could outlast Cachoeira's striking-focused approach. Cachoeira's power is a factor, but Jasudavicius's versatility in striking and grappling may prevail.
12. Malcolm Gordon vs. Jimmy Flick
    • Prediction:Jimmy Flick
    • Method:Submission
    • Round:1
    • Confidence:65%
    • Evaluation:Flick’s aggressive grappling and high-level submission skills are likely to exploit Gordon's vulnerabilities on the ground. Gordon's striking and experience are significant, but Flick's ground game might dominate early.

These predictions factor in the fighters' strengths, weaknesses, and unique attributes, offering a comprehensive view of potential outcomes. However, MMA bouts can be unpredictable due to the dynamic nature of the sport. 

Reach advantage = Win apparently

I wish Elias Theodorou was on that card

RIP the Spartan 

Whoever updated Stricklands pic on here is the real MVP