UFC 312 is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying events of the year as it returns to Sydney, Australia, showcasing two title fights at the Qudos Bank Arena. Headlining the card is the highly anticipated rematch between UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and former champion Sean Strickland, with both fighters eager to prove their dominance.
The excitement around this bout has been building since their first encounter 13 months ago, which was noted for its competitiveness even though it ended as a split decision favoring Du Plessis. Both fighters demonstrated their skills during this 'Fight of the Night' performance, which ended with Du Plessis securing the middleweight title. The South African champion, now 8-0 in the UFC, followed up his title win with a stunning submission victory over Israel Adesanya, adding to his impressive credentials.
On the other hand, Strickland earned his rematch with Du Plessis by defeating Paulo Costa decisively. Known for his unorthodox fighting style and tenacity, Strickland seeks to reclaim his status as champion, offering fans a clash of styles within the octagon.
Alongside this eagerly awaited title bout, the co-main event features Zhang Weili, the first Chinese UFC champion, defending her strawweight title against the talented Tatiana Suarez. This matchup is touted to be challenging for Zhang, especially since Suarez showed her prowess with a victory over former champion Jessica Andrade. Zhang’s relative inactivity compared to Suarez, who has been troubled with injuries, brings added intrigue to this encounter.
UFC 312's fight card offers not only the thrilling title fights but also notable matchups across various weight classes. Zhaing’s defense of her championship will surely attract many spectators, especially considering her last fight against Yan Xiaonan, which she won back in April 2024.
Among the noteworthy undercard battles is the bout featuring Aleksandre Topuria, who recently secured victory over Colby Thicknesse via unanimous decision. Cohen Thicknesse, stepping up on short notice, performed admirably but was unable to overcome Topuria’s well-rounded game. This fight speaks to the depth of talent on display at UFC 312, reflecting the organization’s continuing cultivation of fighters ready to take the leap to prominence.
The event is not only about the matches themselves; each fighters’ stories weave together to form exciting narratives leading to this anticipated evening of fights. Christine Suarez, undefeated with 11 fights under her belt, reflects the new generation of fighters gaining traction. With her remarkable skills and confidence, fans are eager to see how she challenges the seasoned champion, Zhang Weili.
While the main card features fights scheduled to begin at 2 PM AEDT, preliminary matches start earlier, with notable bouts already generating buzz among fans. This UFC event is expected to showcase explosive finishes and tactical battles, embodying the spirit of mixed martial arts.
With the clock ticking down to fight night, UFC 312 is set to deliver action-packed matchups framed by dramatic backstory and fierce rivalries. Fans are preparing for what promises to be nothing short of historic, ensuring this event is one for the books.
Don’t miss out on the action, as Dricus Du Plessis defends his title against Sean Strickland, and Zhang Weili risks her championship against Tatiana Suarez. Tune in and prepare for non-stop excitement from the spectacular fights presented by the UFC.