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Dana White, Sean Strickland, and Dricus Du Plessis Left in Splits at Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva’s Trash Talk Before UFC 297; Fans React

Published 01/19/2024, 11:07 PM EST

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Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva have caught the attention of the fans ahead of their clash at UFC 297! During a pre-fight press conference, the fighters were involved in an exchange of words that left the fans and their fellow fighters rolling in their seats. The pair is set to compete for the vacant bantamweight title at the event, and their interaction indicates their intensity before the fight! 

However, fans were quick to point out that Sean Strickland, Dana White, and Dricus Du Plessis, could barely contain their laughter at the incident! The community was quick to flood the comments with their reaction to the verbal back-and-forth, so, let’s take a look at what they had to say! 

Fans react to UFC 297 trash talk pointing out Dana White and Sean Strickland

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The lead-up to UFC 297 showcased an unexpected yet amusing chapter of trash talk between Mayra Bueno Silva and Raquel Pennington. Silva, confident and dismissive, claimed, “I’m asleep, everybody sleep.” Raquel Pennington responded defiantly, asserting, “You spent so much time, but guess what, my fists are gonna do the talking.”

Silva continued, challenging Pennington’s UFC caliber, stating, “You don’t have a level, you don’t have a UFC level.” Unfazed, Pennington welcomed the chatter, leading to a back-and-forth exchange.

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And so, the humorous responses flooded in, with fans especially noting Dana White’s struggle to contain his laughter at the verbal sparring between the two fighters. Here’s how the fans reacted:

 

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Fans claimed that they were supporting Silva in this fight

“I like bueno Silva idgaf”

Others humorously drew comparisons between Tony Ferguson and Pennington

“Raquel Pennington is the Tony Ferguson of women’s MMA”

Some even pointed out the effort it took for the UFC CEO not to burst out laughing

“Poor Dana turnin into the great red thumb thumb tryin to hold in that laughter”

Others humorously highlighted an anecdote involving their grandmother hearing the exchange

“My grandma over heard this outa context and started laughing”

Fans were also appreciative of the trash talk despite it not matching up to the legendary mic skills of Chael Sonnen

“I liked the energy of that trash talk. It was obviously no Chael, but it spiced the fight up”

In the midst of it all, Sean Strickland visibly struggled to stifle laughter, adding to the amusing atmosphere.

“Sean is trying hard as f*ck not to die laughing”

While others acknowledged Silva’s spirited effort, despite language challenges.

“Nah Silva was kinda based though with her trash talk it’s just her bad English kinda hurts the delivery”

In essence, the trash talk not only heightened anticipation for the Silva-Pennington showdown but also showcased the diverse and humorous ways in which fans engage with and interpret the lead-up to a highly anticipated MMA event!

Watch This Story: Watch: Fan Breaks Through Security and Into UFC 297: Sean Strickland vs Dricus Du Plessis Press Conference 

And in another statement ahead of this high-stakes clash, Pennington has put a former champion on notice with her remarks!

Pennington shuts down Julianna Pena and her comments  

The co-main event at UFC 297 is a pivotal clash for the vacant UFC bantamweight title since Amanda Nunes’ retirement in 2023. Julianna Pena, initially set for the title fight, had to withdraw due to injury, leaving Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno Silva to step in. Despite the unexpected change, Pennington sees an opportunity to settle a long-standing rivalry with Pena after UFC 297. In an interview with GiveMeSport, Pennington expressed her eagerness for a showdown with Pena and criticized her recent statements.

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She revealed, “And then now, I hear Julianna saying all this nonsense, doing all her nonsense, being just typical Julianna. And she’s sitting there. ‘Oh, that’s an interim belt’. Like girl: It’s an interim belt in your mind. Because what? You’re sitting on the sidelines.”

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Pennington is fueled by the prospect of facing Pena, so much so that she’s willing to do it without the belt in the picture. In her passionate words, “We don’t even need the belt involved at this point. Like, that’s how I feel. I don’t even care. Just. I’ve been waiting.”

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The anticipation for UFC 297 intensifies as Pennington and Bueno Silva prepare to vie for the bantamweight title, setting the stage for potential future matchups and a heated rivalry resolution!

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Written by:

Dushyant Patni

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I am Dushyant Patni, a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. My passion for Mixed Martial Arts started because my father used to be a boxer and a martial arts fanatic. It passed down to me as my first pair of boxing gloves were his old ones! Prior to joining EssentiallySports, I honed my writing and editing skills across various organizations as a writer and an editor.
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Edited by:

Joyita Das