The highly anticipated UFC 312 event will take place on Sunday, February 9, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis is set to defend his title against the top contender Sean Strickland in what promises to be a thrilling rematch.
This showdown marks their second clash within just 13 months, and it garners much attention as du Plessis looks to extend his fight win streak to 11. After capturing the middleweight title, du Plessis has risen through the ranks, and he'll aim to solidify his reign once more against Strickland, who is eager to reclaim the title.
Fans can catch all the action live via Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, starting with the early prelims at 10 AM AEDT, leading up to the main card at 2 PM. Expectations are high, with du Plessis confidently stating, "On paper, conditioning-wise, I am miles ahead of where I've been in any other fight... I feel incredible and can't wait to go out there." His preparations for this title defense reflect his hard work and relentless drive.
The co-main event also promises excitement, as strawweight champion Zhang Weili defends her belt against the undefeated Tatiana Suarez. Weili aims for her third consecutive title defense, making it a pivotal fight for both competitors. While the card features no Australian fighters vying for titles, there are still career-defining clashes for several experienced athletes.
Eight Australians will enter the octagon during UFC 312. For Justin Tafa, facing Tallison Teixeira, it's his chance to reignite his path toward heavyweight glory after injury setbacks last year. Jimmy Crute, another significant name on the card, hopes to reclaim his standing after struggling with the thought of retirement upon returning from hiatus. With his performance, he aims to prove he still possesses the skills to compete at the highest level.
Fellow Australians Jake Matthews and Jack Jenkins will also look to build on recent successes, eyeing potential future bouts against ranked opponents. New fighters entering the UFC include Colby Thicknesse, Jonathan Micallef, and Quillan Salkilld, all eager to start their journeys on this grand stage.
Dricus du Plessis' ascent to the top has not been without sacrifices. He had to choose between rugby and fighting, as he was close to joining the Bulls rugby team before pursuing his passion for mixed martial arts instead. "If I’m going to do this professionally, I have to make peace with the fact… I couldn’t get it over my heart to think I could never fight again. It’s my passion and my purpose on this earth now," shared du Plessis.
Emphasis on training has shaped du Plessis' approach to preparation. With three to four training sessions daily, he drastically alters his lifestyle leading up to fights. He states, "Nothing eats...into training time. Prioritising time and managing it correctly is always top of mind." His disciplined routine includes strict dietary practices, avoiding red meat and indulging only after matches.
While focusing on his fight, he expresses gratitude for having his fiancée understand the unique demands of his lifestyle. He acknowledges the sacrifices involved, noting, "For us, there's not too much cuddling happening when the fight’s around. This is such a selfish sport... everything else takes a backseat."
Du Plessis’ champion mindset evolved through experience, including past losses. He recalls moments of being choked out and admits, "I've made the decision to die rather than tap. It’s liber... alizing.” He emphasizes, “Not everyone is a world champion,” instilling motivation for sustained success.
Beyond the intense atmosphere of training and competition, he resonates with fans by sharing some fears such as the dark and deep ocean waters, humorously admitting to being afraid of sharks.
Offering advice to aspiring fighters, du Plessis underlines the importance of setting goals, saying, "Never underestimate your goals... I want to be the best fighter to ever walk this earth.” His extraordinary confidence and commitment shine through as he prepares for UFC 312, igniting excitement for the upcoming event.
UFC 312 not only showcases the skill of du Plessis and Strickland but also highlights the potential future stars from Australia. With the fights fast approaching, championship aspirations and personal journeys will all come to life within the octagon.