The excitement surrounding UFC 312, taking place on Saturday at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, is palpable. With two highly anticipated championship bouts headlining the event, fans are gearing up for a night of intense competition and athletic prowess. Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland will go head-to-head in a rematch for the middleweight title, while Zhang Weili defends her strawweight championship against the undefeated Tatiana Suarez. This event not only marks a significant chapter in the UFC’s history but also highlights the unique narratives that surround each fighter, making the stakes higher than ever.
In the main event, South African Dricus Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) faces American Sean Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) for the middleweight championship. Du Plessis, who is already recognized as the only South African champion in the UFC’s storied history, is riding a remarkable eight-fight winning streak in the organization— the longest active streak in the middleweight division. Known for his aggressive style, Du Plessis has achieved 20 of his victories by stoppage, showcasing his ability to end fights decisively. With a striking rate of 6.18 significant strikes landed per minute, he ranks second in UFC middleweight history.
On the other hand, Strickland brings his own set of impressive credentials to the octagon. Not only is he a former champion, but he has also carved his name into UFC history by earning victories across three different weight classes. Strickland’s work rate is noteworthy; he leads the division with an average of 6.32 significant strikes per minute and boasts a remarkable striking defense of 62.3 percent. In a rematch full of tension and previous encounters, both fighters possess unique advantages that could very well sway the championship in their favor.
The co-headliner is set to be just as riveting, with the ever-impressive Zhang Weili (25-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) defending her strawweight belt against the rising star Tatiana Suarez (10-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC). Weili stands as a trailblazer in women’s mixed martial arts; she is the only fighter from China to capture a championship belt in the UFC. Her five victories in title fights are second only to Joanna Jedrzejczyk’s six in the strawweight division. Moreover, Weili’s striking prowess was evident at UFC 292, where she outlanded her opponent by a staggering +267 margin—a feat that undoubtedly reflects her fighting caliber.
On the flip side, Suarez enters the octagon with a perfect professional record and an impressive streak of seven consecutive wins in the UFC. Her performance has established her as a formidable opponent; her submission skills are particularly notable, as she has secured three submissions in the strawweight category—the second-most in the division’s history. Furthermore, Suarez’s takedown completion rate stands at a jaw-dropping 65.8 percent, the highest in strawweight history. This matchup promises to be a tactical battle, as each fighter aims to exploit the other’s weaknesses while showcasing their strengths.
Additional Notable Fighters and Insights
UFC 312 is not limited to the title fights; several other noteworthy fighters will also be making their mark on this card. Jimmy Crute struggles with a four-fight winless streak, but his history of completing 57.6 percent of takedown attempts is noteworthy, particularly in a competitive light heavyweight division. On the flip side, veteran Jake Matthews will be making his 21st appearance in the octagon, cementing his legacy as the most experienced Australian fighter in UFC history.
Newcomers like Aleksandre Topuria and Bruna Brasil are also set to make their own impacts. Topuria, whose brother Ilia is a champion in his own right, will join the ranks of sibling combinations in the UFC, while Bruna Brasil transitions up to the women’s flyweight division with significant momentum from her previous fights.
UFC 312 serves not just as an opportune night for champions to defend their belts, but also as a platform for emerging fighters to stake their claim in the UFC hierarchy. As the clock ticks down to the fights, expectations and predictions are rife. Will Du Plessis continue his dominance, or can Strickland reassert himself as the champion? Can Weili successfully fend off the upstart Suarez? Each athlete’s journey is filled with potential outcomes that could reshape their careers and alter the trajectory of their respective divisions.
UFC 312 is a critical juncture for many fighters and, with the stakes so high, it promises to deliver an unforgettable night of martial arts excellence. Fans across the globe will undoubtedly be watching closely as the drama unfolds inside the octagon, making it a must-see event this weekend.