Is Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 297 title bout in jeopardy after champ injured exploding firecrackers?

The upcoming title bout between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis has generated significant anticipation, fueled by the recent verbal and physical altercations between the two fighters. Strickland, who secured the title in a remarkable upset against Israel Adesanya at UFC 293, will face Dricus Du Plessis.

The upcoming middleweight title fight promises to be a highly exciting clash. Originally set to fight Adesanya, Du Plessis had to withdraw due to a foot injury, providing the reigning champion of the division with the chance to seize victory in a dominant unanimous decision.

Is Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis fight in danger?

Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis is rumored to be in jeopardy after an apparent staph infection contracted by Sean Strickland. The fight was earlier in jeopardy as the duo had a physical altercation in the audience of UFC 296, where Du Plessis was seated in the third row directly behind Strickland in row one.

There has not been any official confirmation regarding the cancellation of the fight. However, rumors circulate on social media that the UFC will look to book an interim middleweight title fight between Du Plessis and former title challenger Jared Cannonier.

It needs to be noted that Strickland is due to defend his title two weeks from now. Moreover, if a staph infection is contracted by Strickland, there is a very high chance that he will be unavailable for UFC 297.

UFC 297 is touted as a weaker fight card than the subsequent UFC 298, UFC 299, and UFC 300. Sean missing the bout would be a big blow to the PPV event scheduled to be held in Canada at the Scotiabank Arena.

Sean Strickland injured after bursting firecrackers

In a recent incident, Sean Strickland sustained a stomach injury during a firecracker shooting game with MMA journalist Nina Marie Daniele. Known as ‘Tarzan,’ Strickland, a close friend of Daniele, engaged in the game shirtless, and the video of the incident has gone viral on social media. Despite both participants getting hit by firecrackers, Daniele, who had a dress on, escaped injury on her back.

However, Strickland got hit with a firecracker that appeared to hit his stomach. Strickland was screaming in the video after he got hit. Rumors circulate of Strickland suffering staph infection due to the injury but it has not yet been confirmed.

Fighters pulling out on short notice is not a new thing in the UFC as they recently lost both Charles Oliveira and Paulo Costa at UFC 294 due to injury. The duo was on the main and co-main events respectively. However, Alexander Volkanovski and Kamaru Usman stepped in on short notice to save the card.

Do you think Sean Strickland will withdraw from UFC 297? Leave your prediction below!