UFC fans are gearing up for this weekend's highly anticipated UFC 312, featuring the much-awaited rematch between middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland. Set to take place on February 8, 2025, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, the event promises to be full of exciting matchups, highlighted by two title fights.
The headliner showcases Dricus Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) defending his title against Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC), who he controversially defeated by split decision at UFC 297. Following this loss, Strickland rebounded with a unanimous decision victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302, securing his shot to regain the title.
This past week saw the fighters hit the scales successfully, with both Du Plessis and Strickland coming in at the championship limit of 185 lbs. Du Plessis looked noticeably drained, likely from his weight cut, whereas Strickland appeared to sport signs of potential health issues such as what has been suspected to be staph infection on his arm. "Let me tell you something about the Dutchman, which is a cool nickname by the way..." said Strickland during the UFC 312 pre-fight press conference, throwing some pre-fight jabs at the champion.
Du Plessis quickly countered, responding, "Yeah, I fight like somebody on the short bus, but you look like the driver..." This exchange marked the progression of their contentious rivalry, which has developed since their last face-off.
Focusing on their prior encounter, Du Plessis explained his perspective on fighting Strickland again, stating, "My lifelong goal is to finish my career as the greatest fighter to ever walk the planet..." He emphasized the importance of this fight for him and acknowledged the challenges Strickland poses. ``He's gonna change it up because they know I have the answer for what he typically does...'' Du Plessis aims to deliver another performance to not only validate his first victory but assert his dominance as champion.
While Du Plessis attempts to solidify his status as champion, the co-main event of UFC 312 features another enthralling title fight. The women’s strawweight champion Zhang Weili (25-3) will face undefeated contender Tatiana Suarez (10-0). Zhang, on the heels of two successful title defenses, will put her belt on the line against Suarez, who is returning from long injuries to finally compete for championship gold.
Both fighters made weight successfully, with Zhang weighing 115 lbs and Suarez at 114.5 lbs. The matchup adds significant intrigue to the event as Suarez is regarded for her grappling prowess. This has stirred anticipation for how the fight will evolve, highlighting the skills both champions bring to the octagon.
The UFC 312 card is packed with competitive bouts, and fighters to watch include heavyweight Justin Tafa, who will clash with newcomer Tallison Teixeira, and light heavyweight matchup featuring Jimmy Crute against Rodolfo Bellato. Also scheduled on the card is Jake Matthews going to face Francisco Prado, as well as several preliminary bouts, which include promising new talents and established fighters.
Dricus Du Plessis is aware of the expectations on him to perform, especially as he aims for his second title defense. Reflecting on his approach, Du Plessis posited, “If they make this a dog fight, I am going to beat (him) before the end of the second, because I am the biggest dog in the UFC.” His comments set the stage for what fans can expect – fierceness, strategy, and drama.
With the countdown to UFC 312 reaching its final hours, the atmosphere is palpable. The night will see not only champions defend their titles but also establish whether Du Plessis consolidates his reign or if Strickland can reclaim his lost glory. Fans are advised to tune in early to catch the complete fight card from the early prelims to the exclamation point of the main event.