UFC Middleweight Champion Sean Strickland takes on rising contender Dricus Du Plessis in the first numbered card of 2024 at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada. While it originally seemed the two would have no ill will toward each other considering their equal hatred towards former champ Israel Adesanya, it quickly became clear that was not the case at the seasonal press conference before UFC 296. Tempers flared as fighters traded insults, with Strickland wasting no time throwing homophobic slurs in the South African's direction, referring to Dricus' relationship with his coaches that transcends the normal friendship, at least what we have in America. Dricus was quick to respond to Strickland, bringing up his father who used to abuse him, telling Strickland the beating he gives him is going to be even worse than his father's. As it grew personal, it became clear there was real tension between the fighters. Moving forward to the UFC 296 event, Strickland and Du Plessis were both in ...