UFC 312 is set to deliver high-octane action as Dricus Du Plessis defends his middleweight title against Sean Strickland at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on February 8, 2025. This rematch follows their exhilarating encounter at UFC 297, which saw Du Plessis capture the title from Strickland with just the slightest edge on the scorecards.
The main card includes another thrilling title bout, as Zhang Weili will defend her strawweight title against undefeated challenger Tatiana Suarez. Given this stacked lineup, fans won’t want to miss what promises to be an unforgettable evening of mixed martial arts.
Fight fans around the world can catch all the action live with multiple viewing options. Here are the key start times for various regions:
- India (IST): Early Prelims at 5:00 AM, Prelims at 6:30 AM, Main Card at 8:30 AM.
- USA (ET): Early Prelims at 7:30 PM, Prelims at 9:00 PM, Main Card at 11:00 PM.
- UK (GMT): Early Prelims at 11:30 PM, Prelims at 1:00 AM, Main Card at 3:00 AM.
- Australia (AEDT): Early Prelims at 10:30 AM, Prelims at 12:00 PM, Main Card at 2:00 PM.
- New Zealand (NZDT): Early Prelims at 11:30 AM, Prelims at 1:00 PM, Main Card at 3:00 PM.
- France (CET): Early Prelims at 11:00 PM, Prelims at 12:30 AM, Main Card at 2:30 AM.
- Brazil (BRT): Early Prelims at 9:30 PM, Prelims at 11:00 PM, Main Card at 1:00 AM.
- Canada (ET): Early Prelims at 7:30 PM, Prelims at 9:00 PM, Main Card at 11:00 PM.
UFC 312 can be streamed via ESPN+ for fans in the U.S. Subscribers will need to pay $79.99 for the pay-per-view event, on top of the subscription fee of $11.99 per month. Fans can also catch the event on TNT Sports Box Office in the UK and on Kayo Sports or Foxtel Main Event in Australia.
The anticipation surrounding this rematch stems from the intensity of their previous fight, where Du Plessis edged out Strickland, landing 137 significant strikes compared to Strickland's 173, but managing to secure six takedowns, which likely swayed the judges. The rivalry has heated up even more recently, with Strickland accusing Du Plessis of faking injuries. Du Plessis clarified, "There are no pacts between lions and men," illustrating the fierce competition brewing between them.
Alongside the middleweight title bout, the co-main event features Zhang Weili, who will defend her championship against Tatiana Suarez. Weili is coming back after her fight against the competitive Suarez since April 2024, making fans curious about how she will fare.
Outside these title fights, the card showcases up-and-coming talent, including Justin Tafa, Jimmy Crute, and Jake Matthews, all of whom will fire up the night alongside the championship title bouts. Du Plessis seems poised to prove his title reign as he stated, "Putting the Strickland thing to bed - I have two decisions in my whole life, one being a split against Strickland [and the other a unanimous decision win over Brad Tavares at UFC 276]." His determination and improved skills aim to quell any doubts about his status as reigning champion.
With such notable matches on the card, UFC 312 has generated considerable buzz, not only for the fighters but also due to the historical significance of returning to Australia. The stage is set for both champions to defend their titles and for contenders to rise through the ranks, promising fans nothing short of fireworks.
Mark your calendars and prepare for what should be one of the most electrifying nights of 2025!