UFC 297: Strickland vs Du Plessis Odds & Picks
The Sean Strickland world tour is heading North.
After winning the belt at UFC 293 in Australia, the middleweight champ Strickland will defend his title at UFC 297 in Toronto against Dricus Du Plessis, the punishing South African who recently defeated Robert Whittaker.
UFC 297 takes place January 20 at Scotiabank Arena, where Strickland is a -150 favorite over Du Plessis (+125). The event marks the promotion's first trip to Ontario's capital since 2019.
Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis Betting Odds
Odds as of Dec. 29
Our odds calculator suggests Strickland's -150 status awards him a 60% implied chance of victory, with a $100 bet paying out $166.67. At +125, Du Plessis gets a 44.44% chance and a $100 bet cashes $225.
How to Bet Sean Strickland
In his last fight, Strickland put on a masterclass of Octagon control. "Tarzan" didn't bite on several of Israel Adesanya's feints and often adjusted his position to halt any of Izzy's combos before they got started. In the end, Strickland looked fresh, explosive, and walked away the new middleweight champ, cashing as a +470 underdog.
Dricus brings more brutish strength than Adesanya, and my gut tells me that'll greatly benefit Strickland, assuming he can avoid getting chinned by Du Plessis' lead hands. Strickland wins this fight by controlling the pace, limiting Du Plessis' aggression, and carrying the bout to later rounds. If you're a Sean believer, go with him to win by decision for more value.
How To Bet Dricus Du Plessis
"Stillknocks" can frighten Strickland by firing up the thresher early and battering his opponent any time things get close. Against Whittaker, Du Plessis forced the Aussie backward and pounded him with heavy body kicks. With Whittaker on his heels, Du Plessis stayed crouched and slung punches with all his might, bashing through Rob's guard until he sagged to the ground.
You should bet Dricus by knockout, if you're keen on him. He's a mountain of muscle who can smash anyone in the division. Strickland might outsmart Du Plessis, but he won't crush him physically.
Strickland vs Du Plessis Pick
In the end, I'm willing to take a stab at Du Plessis' upside. Strickland likes to pat-pat-pat with his jab before finding an opening; I'm concerned Du Plessis will come storming out of his corner and halt any opportunities Strickland generates.
