UFC 312, the second pay-per-view event of the 2025 UFC calendar, is set to ignite Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, on Saturday, February 8th. The highly anticipated fight card features a compelling main event rematch for the middleweight title between the reigning champion, Dricus du Plessis, and the man he dethroned, Sean Strickland. Adding further intrigue to the evening is the co-main event, showcasing a clash between the dominant women’s strawweight champion, Zhang Weili, and the formidable number one contender, Tatiana Suarez. With both title fights promising fireworks, UFC 312 is poised to deliver an unforgettable night of action for combat sports fans worldwide.
The main event rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland carries a significant weight of narrative and anticipation. Du Plessis, riding a ten-fight win streak and boasting an unblemished 8-0 record in the UFC, enters the octagon as the favorite. His impressive run includes six finishes and four fight-night bonus awards, showcasing his devastating power and aggressive style. Strickland, a UFC veteran since 2014, brings a wealth of experience and a determined spirit to the rematch. While his overall UFC record stands at 16-6, he’s eager to avenge his previous loss to Du Plessis and reclaim the middleweight crown. Their first encounter at UFC 297, a split-decision victory for Du Plessis, earned both fighters “Fight of the Night” honors, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown.
The co-main event features two of the most dominant female fighters in the UFC. Zhang Weili, the reigning strawweight champion, is in her second reign atop the 115-pound division, having reclaimed the title in a compelling submission victory over Carla Esparza. Her journey back to the championship has been marked by impressive performances, including victories over former champions Joanna Jedrzejczyk and Jessica Andrade. Zhang’s power and technical prowess make her a formidable opponent for anyone in the division. Challenging Zhang is Tatiana Suarez, an undefeated rising star and the number one ranked contender in the strawweight division. Suarez, an accomplished wrestler with a suffocating grappling game, has finished seven of her ten professional fights by submission. Her career has been hampered by injuries, but her recent dominant performances indicate she is back to top form and ready to challenge for the title.
The rest of the UFC 312 fight card is stacked with intriguing matchups featuring both established veterans and up-and-coming prospects. Heavy hitters Justin Tafa and Tallison Teixeira are set to collide, while light heavyweights Jimmy Crute and Rodolfo Bellato will look to climb the rankings with a victory. The preliminary card features exciting bouts such as Jake Matthews facing Francisco Prado, and Jack Jenkins taking on Gabriel Santos. Early preliminary action will see fighters like Quillan Salkilld, Hyun Sung Park, and Jonathan Micallef showcase their skills, setting the tone for an action-packed night.
The first encounter between Du Plessis and Strickland at UFC 297 was a closely contested battle that highlighted contrasting styles. Strickland, known for his forward pressure and striking, adopted a more cautious approach due to Du Plessis’ power. Du Plessis, meanwhile, utilized his wrestling to secure crucial takedowns, a key factor in securing the victory. While Strickland effectively used his jab throughout the fight, Du Plessis’ power and timely aggression ultimately swayed the judges in his favor. The rematch promises another tactical battle, with both fighters eager to implement adjustments and secure a decisive victory.
For Strickland, reclaiming the title is a matter of pride and redemption. He has been vocal about his desire for a rematch and has dedicated himself to improving his game since their first encounter. His victory over Paulo Costa after losing the title showcased his determination and resilience. For Du Plessis, defending his title solidifies his status as a dominant force in the middleweight division. His undefeated UFC record and impressive finishing rate are a testament to his talent and potential. The rematch promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both fighters bringing their best to the octagon.
Tatiana Suarez’s journey to title contention has been marked by both triumph and adversity. Her dominant performances on “The Ultimate Fighter” and in subsequent UFC bouts showcased her exceptional grappling skills. However, injuries have derailed her momentum at times, forcing her to spend significant time on the sidelines. Her resilience and unwavering dedication have allowed her to overcome these setbacks, and she now stands on the cusp of achieving her ultimate goal – becoming the UFC strawweight champion. Her strategic approach to training and recovery underscores her commitment to longevity and success in the sport.
The odds for UFC 312 paint an interesting picture of how the bookmakers view the matchups. Du Plessis enters the main event as a moderate favorite, reflecting his recent success and dominant performances. The co-main event between Zhang and Suarez is considered a much closer contest, with the odds nearly even. These odds, while subject to change, provide insight into the perceived competitiveness of the matchups and offer betting opportunities for fans.
UFC 312 is shaping up to be a must-see event for fight fans around the globe. With two high-stakes title fights and a stacked card filled with exciting matchups, the event promises to deliver non-stop action and drama. The rematch between Du Plessis and Strickland is a compelling narrative of redemption and dominance, while the clash between Zhang and Suarez showcases the best of the women’s strawweight division. The event is a testament to the global appeal of the UFC and the unwavering passion of its athletes.
