Get ready for an inside look at the warriors stepping into the octagon at UFC 297. From surprising backgrounds to hidden histories, here’s your essential guide to understanding the fighters who will light up the canvas. Whether it’s a seasoned veteran or a rising star, these profiles unveil the untold stories and pivotal moments that define the athletes ready to make their mark at UFC 297.
1. Both Sean Strickland and Dricus Duplessis used to fight at 170 lbs (Welterweight)
Strickland and DDP share a history of competing in the welterweight division. For a significant portion of their respective careers, both fighters were established welterweights. It’s worth noting that although DDP didn’t compete as a welterweight in the UFC, he gained prominence by taking on formidable opponents in the Extreme Fighting Championship, even securing a welterweight title during his tenure there.
Sean Strickland, on the other hand, faced challenges in the welterweight division, encountering setbacks against notable fighters like Kamaru Usman and Santiago Ponzinibbio. Despite the difficulties at 170 lbs, Strickland has transitioned to the middleweight division and found success. While both fighters may now appear as imposing middleweights, it’s essential to recognize their origins in the sport, where they initially made their mark in the welterweight category before evolving into the larger, more competitive landscape of the middleweight division.
2. Israel Adesanya might be the next one to challenge the winner of the Main Event at UFC 297
The possibility looms large that Israel Adesanya could be the next contender for the winner of the main event between Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis at UFC 297. Adesanya’s expressed interest in witnessing the title clash firsthand, coupled with his undeniable star power, adds an intriguing dimension to the unfolding narrative. Notably, with both Dricus and Sean, as well as other contenders like Khamzat Chimaev and Jared Cannonier facing health-related setbacks, Adesanya stands out as a formidable and viable candidate for the next title challenge. As the storylines intertwine, UFC 297 might set the stage for Adesanya’s potential return to the title scene.
3. Arnold Allen hasn’t faced a grappler inside the octagon since 2021
Arnold Allen’s encounters in the octagon have notably lacked grappling specialists since 2021. Our focus shifts to an Arnold Allen who hasn’t faced opponents with a grappling background or those recognized as elite grapplers. Despite consistently holding his ground at the upper echelons of the division, the featherweight landscape predominantly features strikers within the top 10, with a noticeable scarcity of wrestlers. Movsar Evloev, emerging as a force in the division, is set to go head-to-head with Allen. Hailing from Russia, Evloev boasts elite grappling skills, a facet that adds a new dimension to this matchup.
The last instance of Allen facing a grappler dates back to April 2021 against Sodiq Yusuf, resulting in an almost three-year hiatus from such stylistic challenges. While Allen has confronted formidable opponents like Holloway and Kattar, an elite grappler has been absent from his recent resume. Allen’s defensive repertoire includes commendable footwork, a crucial asset for fending off takedowns. However, as the anticipation builds for this clash, there’s a palpable sense that Movsar Evloev might hold a strategic advantage if Arnold Allen ventures into the grappling domain beyond the confines of the octagon’s black lines.
4. Mike Mallot is older than it might seem to most fans
Mike Mallot may come across as a budding prospect, especially since he recently entered the UFC scene towards the end of 2021 through Dana White’s Contender Series, securing an opportunity to face Neil Magny. Despite being relatively new to the UFC, it’s essential to note that Mallot is 32 years old, a detail that might be surprising given the typical perception of younger fighters breaking into the scene.
While 32 is by no means considered old in the fight game, it’s a juncture where athletes often face an accelerated pace in their careers, especially considering the general trend of decline that tends to set in around 35-36 years. Mallot’s skills are evident, and a convincing victory over Neil Magny could propel him higher in the rankings. However, to make a swift ascent towards the top 5, Mallot might need to expedite his trajectory in the competitive world of mixed martial arts. A standout performance against Magny could be the catalyst he needs to make a compelling case for his ascent in the welterweight division.
5. Brad Katona has been in the UFC before and has fought guys like Merab and Bryce
Brad Katona, often perceived as a newcomer, actually brings a wealth of experience to the octagon. Previously part of the UFC, he faced adversity, including a notable stint on The Ultimate Fighter twice. In an exhibition match during the show’s Undefeated season, Katona secured a victory over the current top-10 featherweight, Bryce Mitchell. Noteworthy is his 2019 bout against Merab Dvalishvili, which took place in Canada. As Katona steps into UFC 297, his seasoned journey in the MMA world adds depth to his profile, showcasing a fighter with a history of triumphs, setbacks, and encounters with high-caliber opponents.
