February 9th, 2025, marked a significant night in the world of mixed martial arts as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returned to Sydney, Australia, for UFC 312. Held at the Qudos Bank Arena, this event delivered a potent mix of high-stakes championship bouts, electrifying knockouts, and hard-fought decisions, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. Headlined by a highly anticipated rematch for the middleweight title and featuring a co-main event for the women’s strawweight crown, UFC 312 lived up to its promise of delivering unforgettable action.
The Main Event: Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2 – A Test of Will and Strategy
The main event saw the culmination of a fierce rivalry as the newly crowned UFC Middleweight Champion, Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis, faced off against the former champion, the outspoken and unorthodox Sean Strickland, in an immediate rematch. Their first encounter at UFC 297 was a closely contested battle that saw du Plessis emerge victorious via a split decision, a result that Strickland vehemently disputed, setting the stage for this compelling second chapter.
The Buildup: The animosity between du Plessis and Strickland was palpable in the lead-up to UFC 312. Their exchanges were intense, filled with personal barbs and unwavering confidence from both sides. Du Plessis, riding high on his championship win, aimed to prove that his victory was no fluke and that he was the rightful king of the middleweight division. Strickland, fueled by a sense of injustice, was determined to reclaim his title and silence his doubters.
The Fight: The rematch unfolded as a fascinating clash of styles and strategies. Du Plessis, known for his relentless pressure, powerful striking, and grappling prowess, looked to impose his will early. Strickland, with his high guard, jab-heavy approach, and cardio for days, aimed to control the distance and frustrate the South African champion.
The five-round battle was a grueling affair. Du Plessis came out aggressively, looking to land heavy shots and close the distance. Strickland, however, showcased improved footwork and head movement, often evading the initial onslaught and countering with his sharp jab and straight punches. The fight saw periods of intense striking exchanges, with both fighters landing significant blows. Du Plessis mixed in takedown attempts, showcasing his grappling threat, although Strickland’s takedown defense proved to be much improved from their first encounter.
As the rounds wore on, the pace remained high, with both fighters demonstrating incredible toughness and determination. Du Plessis’s pressure never truly waned, while Strickland’s consistent output and defensive adjustments kept him in the fight. Ultimately, after five hard-fought rounds, the judges rendered a unanimous decision in favor of Dricus du Plessis (50-45, 50-45, 49-46). While the decision was unanimous, the fight was far from one-sided, with Strickland showcasing his resilience and improvements. However, du Plessis’s consistent forward pressure, impactful strikes, and takedown attempts likely swayed the judges in his favor, solidifying his position as the UFC middleweight champion.
The Aftermath: In his post-fight interview, a victorious but bruised du Plessis acknowledged Strickland’s toughness and the improvements he had made. He reiterated his desire to be an active champion and expressed his willingness to face any challenger the UFC put in front of him. Strickland, while visibly disappointed, showed respect to du Plessis but hinted at a potential future meeting. This rematch undoubtedly settled the immediate score, but the competitive nature of both fights suggests that this rivalry could potentially reignite down the line.
The Co-Main Event: Zhang Weili vs. Tatiana Suarez – A Display of Dominance
The co-main event featured a highly anticipated clash for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship between the dominant two-time champion, Zhang “Magnum” Weili, and the formidable grappler, Tatiana Suarez. This matchup pitted Zhang’s well-rounded striking and powerful ground-and-pound against Suarez’s elite wrestling and submission skills, making it a compelling stylistic battle.
The Buildup: Zhang Weili had established herself as one of the most dominant forces in the women’s strawweight division, showcasing a blend of explosive striking and improved grappling. Tatiana Suarez, returning from a significant layoff due to injuries, was considered a serious threat to Zhang’s reign, with many believing her wrestling-heavy style could pose a unique challenge.
The Fight: The fight largely played out as many expected, with Suarez immediately looking to utilize her wrestling to bring the fight to the mat. However, Zhang Weili showcased significant improvements in her takedown defense, effectively stuffing numerous attempts in the early rounds. When the fight remained standing, Zhang utilized her superior striking, landing crisp punches, powerful kicks, and controlling the range effectively.
While Suarez did manage to secure takedowns in later rounds, Zhang’s resilience and ability to scramble back to her feet were impressive. On the ground, Zhang displayed active defense and even managed to land some effective ground-and-pound of her own. Over five rounds, Zhang’s striking dominance, improved takedown defense, and overall activity proved to be the deciding factors, as she was awarded a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 49-45), successfully defending her strawweight title once again.
The Aftermath: Zhang Weili’s performance further cemented her status as a top pound-for-pound female fighter. Her evolution as a well-rounded martial artist was evident in her ability to neutralize Suarez’s grappling threats and dominate the striking exchanges. In her post-fight interview, Zhang expressed her happiness at defending her title in front of the Australian fans and reiterated her commitment to continuing her reign as champion. While Suarez’s return to the top of the division might have been unsuccessful on this occasion, her undeniable grappling skills suggest she will remain a dangerous contender in the strawweight division.
Other Notable Bouts and Performances
Beyond the championship headliners, UFC 312 featured a card filled with exciting matchups and memorable performances:
Heavyweight Bout: Tallison Teixeira vs. Justin Tafa: This fight was a short but explosive affair. Tallison Teixeira, making his UFC debut, wasted no time, securing a TKO victory over the hometown favorite Justin Tafa in just 35 seconds of the first round with a brutal knee to the body and follow-up elbows. This impressive debut immediately put the heavyweight division on notice.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Jimmy Crute vs. Rodolfo Bellato: This matchup ended in a majority draw (29-27, 28-28, 28-28). The fight was a back-and-forth battle with both fighters having their moments, showcasing their striking and grappling skills. The draw left some fans wanting to see a rematch to determine a clear victor.
Welterweight Bout: Jake Matthews vs. Francisco Prado: Australian veteran Jake Matthews delivered a measured and professional performance, securing a unanimous decision victory over the young Argentinian Francisco Prado (30-27, 30-27, 30-27). Matthews utilized his experience and size advantage to control the fight over three rounds.
Featherweight Bout: Gabriel Santos vs. Jack Jenkins: In a preliminary card matchup, Gabriel Santos defeated the Australian Jack Jenkins via a third-round rear-naked choke. This was a significant win for Santos, showcasing his submission skills.
Lightweight Bout: Tom Nolan vs. Viacheslav Borshchev: Australian Tom Nolan secured a unanimous decision victory over Viacheslav Borshchev (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) in a hard-fought lightweight contest.
Women’s Flyweight Bout: Wang Cong vs. Bruna Brasil: China’s Wang Cong earned a unanimous decision victory over Brazil’s Bruna Brasil (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a women’s flyweight bout.
Bantamweight Bout: Aleksandre Topuria vs. Colby Thicknesse: Promotional newcomer Aleksandre Topuria defeated Australian Colby Thicknesse via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a bantamweight contest.
Lightweight Bout: Rongzhu vs. Kody Steele: This preliminary card fight was awarded “Fight of the Night” honors. Rongzhu defeated Kody Steele via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) in a thrilling back-and-forth battle that kept the crowd engaged.
Welterweight Bout: Jonathan Micallef vs. Kevin Jousset: Australian Jonathan Micallef secured a unanimous decision victory over France’s Kevin Jousset (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in an early preliminary card welterweight bout.
Lightweight Bout: Quillan Salkilld vs. Anshul Jubli: Australian Quillan Salkilld delivered a stunning performance, knocking out India’s Anshul Jubli in just 19 seconds of the first round, earning a “Performance of the Night” bonus.
FAQs
What was UFC 312 and when did it take place?
UFC 312 was a premier mixed martial arts event organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). It occurred on February 9, 2025, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia.
What was the main event of UFC 312?
The headline bout featured a rematch between UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis and former champion Sean Strickland. Du Plessis successfully defended his title, securing a unanimous decision victory.
Who competed in the co-main event?
The co-main event showcased UFC Women’s Strawweight Champion Zhang Weili defending her title against Tatiana Suarez. Zhang retained her championship via unanimous decision.
What were some other notable fights on the card?
Tallison Teixeira defeated Justin Tafa by first-round TKO.
Jake Matthews secured a unanimous decision win over Francisco Prado.
Jimmy Crute and Rodolfo Bellato fought to a draw.
Were there any special appearances during the event?
Yes, former rivals Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya surprised fans by appearing together at UFC 312, signaling a newfound camaraderie.
How was the audience turnout for UFC 312?
The event attracted an attendance of 18,537 fans and generated a gate revenue of $7,687,317.
Were there any bonus awards given out?
Yes, the following fighters received $50,000 bonuses:
Fight of the Night: Rong Zhu vs. Kody Steele
Performance of the Night: Tallison Teixeira and Quillan Salkilld
How can fans watch UFC events in the UK?
UK fans can watch UFC events live via TNT Sports, available through the Discovery+ app for £20 per month. Alternatively, UFC Fight Pass offers access to early prelims and an extensive archive for £6.99 per month.
Were there any significant announcements during UFC 312?
During the event, it was announced that the 2019 interim middleweight title fight between Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s “fight wing” during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
What were the predictions for the main event?
Analysts favored Dricus du Plessis to win the rematch against Sean Strickland, citing his previous victory and continued improvement as a fighter.
To conclude
UFC 312 delivered an electrifying night of fights, underscoring the dynamic nature of mixed martial arts. The event not only featured high-stakes title defenses but also highlighted emerging talents and unexpected moments that captivated fans worldwide. Dricus du Plessis’s successful title defense against Sean Strickland reaffirmed his position atop the middleweight division, while Zhang Weili’s victory over Tatiana Suarez showcased her dominance in the strawweight category.
Beyond the fights, the event was marked by memorable appearances, such as the unexpected camaraderie between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya, signaling a shift in their storied rivalry. The announcement of the Adesanya vs. Gastelum bout’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame further added to the night’s significance, celebrating the sport’s rich history.
For fans and newcomers alike, UFC 312 exemplified the thrill and unpredictability that define the UFC. As the organization continues to host events globally, each fight night offers a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and entertainment, solidifying the UFC’s place at the pinnacle of combat sports.
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